(THE MANILA TIMES) SEN. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, on Thursday welcomed the agreement to restart peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
“The signing of a joint communique demonstrates the readiness of both parties to exchange ideas and reach a consensus, disregarding their disparities for the betterment of our country,” said Estrada in a statement.
He said the new peace dialogue is a positive development in finding a peaceful resolution to the decades-long armed conflict, especially in the light of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to grant amnesty to rebels.
He said the road to lasting peace is undoubtedly challenging, but the resumption of talks opens avenues for mutual understanding, compromise, and, ultimately, resolving longstanding issues.
Estrada stressed that his committee would closely monitor the negotiations to ensure that any agreement reached reflected the principles of justice, inclusivity and reconciliation and upheld the interests of the Filipino people.
Delegations from the government and the communist rebel movement in the Philippines last week agreed to a “common vision for peace,” Norway’s Foreign Ministry announced in Oslo. Norway has helped mediate the conflict for more than two decades.
In a joint statement, the two sides said they “agree to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict” and will seek to resolve the “deep-rooted socioeconomic and political grievances” that have sustained the NDFP and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for more than half a century.
The agreement was sealed at Oslo City Hall with a handshake between Antonio Lagdameo Jr., special assistant to President Marcos, and Luis Jalandoni, a member of the NDFP’s National Executive Council.
The text was the result of several informal discussions between the two parties held in the Netherlands and Norway since the beginning of 2022.
Formal peace talks have not taken place since late 2017 when they were terminated by President Rodrigo Duterte after a reported NPA attack in Mindanao.
On Thursday, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said the exploratory talks between the government and the NDFP would spur economic growth, particularly in areas affected by the conflict.
Abalos said the fighting also disrupted numerous local communities, leading to the loss of lives and livelihoods.
He said the department will play an integral and active role in the “whole-of-government” approach that forms part of President Marcos’ inclusive peace agenda.
“These situations demonstrate that without peace and order, it is impossible to attain economic development and sustain progress in our communities,” said Abalos.
He said the talks are a reflection of the President’s commitment to uniting the nation and addressing longstanding grievances.
“I have always believed that wars are won by the hearts of people. As such, while the signing of the Oslo Joint Communique is only the start, I hope that this development sparks in our hearts the spirit of reconciliation and fuels our burning desire for peace,” Abalos said in a statement.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the reopening of negotiations is a significant step toward achieving a more peaceful, prosperous and unified country.
PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo said she hopes the participation of all stakeholders, good faith and genuine effort of all parties concerned would result in sustainable peace.