Gov’t renews call for talks with NDF

DAVAO CITY , Philippines   â€“ The government has renewed its call for peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

In celebration of the 10th National Peace Consciousness Month, the government peace panel yesterday renewed its call for peace, saying the government acknowledges the urgency of ending armed hostilities to give way to development, especially in conflict-stricken areas which are the poorest communities in the country.

“With the Filipino people, we renew our call to the CPP for an end to violence on the ground so we can together build the peace that we all aspire for,” the peace panel said in a statement.

“We join our people in reminding the CPP that armed violence has no place in a society where there is ample democratic space for everyone to peacefully pursue reforms and contribute to social change,” they added.

The peace negotiations between the government and the CPP have been stalled for a long time due to disagreements.

The CPP reportedly blamed the Aquino administration for the stalled peace talks as the prospect of forging a peace pact under the Aquino government was bleak.

The communist wing also slammed the government for its failure to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which the Philippine government and the NDF signed in 1998.