Gov't peace panel announces stop to offensives vs NPA

MANILA, Philippines — The government peace panel on Sunday said security forces will stop offensive operations against the New People’s Army following the National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ statement that communist rebels will cease operations against the government.

The peace panel likewise expressed appreciation for the communists' commitment to refrain from offensive operations in Mindanao to enable the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to focus their attention on the war against terror groups.

The panel said reciprocating the move is meant “to pave way for the eventual signing of a mutually agreed bilateral ceasefire agreement and agreements on social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms.” 

They also hope to end the hostilities and agree on a disposition of forces towards a just and lasting peace.

“These voluntary gestures and expressions from the NDF in solidarity with government against acts of terrorism augur well for the desired continuation of the stalled 5th round of peace talks as they provide,” the government peace panel said in a statement signed by government peace panel chair Silvestre Bello III on Sunday.

“If sustained, the needed enabling environment favorable to moving the peace negotiations forward,” it added.

On Saturday, NDFP chair Fidel Agcaoili said that they condemn and are determined to counteract the Maute, Abu Sayyaf and Ansar Khilafah Philippines and other groups wreaking havoc in Marawi City.

The NDFP said these “terrorist groups linked to local reactionary forces, affiliated with ISIS and supported by US-CIA and other foreign entities."

The government peace panel also welcomed this commitment from the NDFP, which represents the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines in talks.

Last May 27, Presidential peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced that the government peace panel would not participate in the scheduled fifth round of peace talks unless the Communist Party of the Philippines ensures that it can stop the NPA from launching offensives.