2023: A banner year for peace process

Yearender

MANILA, Philippines — Prospects are bright for government efforts to end the decades old insurgency in the country by 2024.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. made the observation, as he called this year a banner year for government peace efforts.

Galvez is banking on the joint statement issued by the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Oslo, Norway on Nov. 3.

The joint statement, now officially known as the Oslo Joint Communiqué, aims to pave the way for new peace talks between the government and the communist rebels.

In the Oslo Joint Communiqué, the government and the NDF acknowledged the deep-rooted socioeconomic and political grievances, and agreed to come up with a framework that prioritizes peace negotiation.

Galvez said the signing of a final peace deal during Marcos’ term is “very achievable.”

He said talks are likely to begin before the end or in the middle of the first quarter of 2024.

The two parties have yet to forge a ceasefire agreement.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and NDF national executive council member Luis Jalandoni signed the Oslo Joint Communiqué.

Galvez, former military chief Emmanuel Bautista, NDF negotiating panel interim chair Julieta de Lima and panel member Connie Ledesma witnessed the signing.

The joint statement was issued a day after Marcos signed Proclamation 404 granting amnesty to former members of the NDF, CPP and NPA.

The proclamation covered insurgents who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.

Galvez said the government has achieved “major milestones” in the peace process this year.

“We can say that 2023 has been a banner year for the nation’s peace processes, which have soared to greater heights,” he said.

He attributed the development to quiet back-channeling and exploratory talks by representatives of both parties.

“The intention of the parties is very clear. This is to end the armed conflict, end armed struggle and the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Galvez said.

He said progress in the Bangsamoro peace process was likewise evident.

The Bangsamoro parliament passed five of its seven priority codes while 26,145 former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants have abandoned armed struggle and are now living peaceful lives, Galvez noted.

“For the first time, we have successfully launched the transformation program for Moro National Liberation Front members, their families and communities. The program aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) combatants and empower them as agents of peace and development,” he said.

Galvez also cited the peace process with members of the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and Rebolusyonaryong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.

“Under our social healing and peace building program, we are helping mend the torn social fabric of society caused by armed conflict through peace conversations,” he said.

On the recent terror attack in Marawi, he said the government is committed to conducting trauma healing sessions for the victims.

Under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405 and 406, Marcos granted amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade, former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, and the MILF and the MNLF.