Leftists slam peace declaration by gov’t

MANILA, Philippines - The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday branded as “hollow” the government’s claim that it remains open to talking peace, saying the statement is being used to conceal abuses committed by the military.

“So far, claims made by the Aquino government that it wants to pursue peace negotiations with the revolutionary forces represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) has proven to be empty,” the CPP said in a statement.

The CPP was reacting to a statement by Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Teresita Deles that they will not “close the peace table” to those who want to pursue sincere and truthful dialogue.

Deles said the government “remains committed to work for a peaceful settlement of all internal armed conflict.”

“We will continue to seek ways to resume negotiations on the basis of a doable and time-bound agenda,” she added.

The CPP, however, said the government has been working hard to end formal talks by renouncing all previous agreements. It cited the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which prohibits the arrest and detention of communists working as peace consultants.

The CPP said it has no choice but to wait for the next administration to engage in serious talks due to the Aquino administration’s supposed “unwillingness to negotiate a just peace.”

Talks between the government and the NDFP were stalled after the rebels demanded the release of communist leaders facing criminal cases.