Final peace pact with Reds pushed

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos’ peace adviser yesterday cited the need to eradicate conditions that hinder the forging of a final peace pact with the communists.

“We need to continue the dialogue and remove the conditions that can stall our aspiration for the final peace agreement,” presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a text message to The STAR.

Galvez said he remains upbeat about the prospects for the peace negotiations.

“I am very positive and confident that with mutual respect,
goodwill and understanding, we can finally achieve a principled and peaceful ending of the armed conflict and be able to transform the lives of our people towards lasting peace and development,” he added.

He also reported that the exploratory talks between the communists and the government are still ongoing and the mission statement is being finalized.

The National Democratic Front (NDF), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), reiterated it is committed to resume peace negotiations with the government to address the underlying causes of civil war in the country.

“The ongoing talks between the two delegations are meant to come up with an agreed framework for the negotiations towards forging an agreement that will address the root causes of the armed conflict,” NDF negotiating panel chairperson Julie de Lima said in a statement on Wednesday.

In the past months, De Lima said they have observed what she described as contradictory signals emanating from peace negotiators from the government.

She said National Security Adviser Eduardo Año raised doubts whether the peace talks will proceed while Galvez was optimistic that negotiations would resume.

De Lima is hoping the government would resolve the contradictory views as she noted they are ready to engage in meaningful discussions that can lead to comprehensive solutions that would benefit the people.

The CPP’s armed component, the New People’s Army, has been waging war with the government for several decades.

“The path to peace is indeed long and arduous, but it is a path that we must tread with unwavering determination, mutual respect and a genuine commitment from both parties if it is to succeed,” De Lima, widow of Jose Maria Sison, said.