PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday committed to carry out all signed peace agreements between the government and various rebel groups not only in Mindanao but throughout the nation.
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (PAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., meanwhile, expressed optimism that a final peace agreement with the Communist Party of the Philippines-National People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) will be forged within the term of the current of administration.
The President, during the celebration of the 2024 National Peace Consciousness Month (NPCM) and commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Malacanang, said the Muslim group, along with the Philippines’ international partners, can depend on his administration in the implementation of all signed peace agreements for the security, inclusive progress, and stability not only in Mindanao but throughout the country.
Marcos said peace and understanding have now been firmly rooted in communities and the country should focus on transformation towards a more inclusive, peaceful, and progressive society.
“Rest assured that you can depend on this administration to implement all signed peace agreements for the security, inclusive progress, and stability not only in Mindanao but throughout our country. The peace processes with former revolutionary organizations such as the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group — now known as KAPATIRAN, are now in the advanced stages of implementation,” he said.
He said the government is also implementing the Transformation Program to uplift the socio-economic conditions of MNLF combatants, their families, and communities, Marcos said, urging various sectors to continue working closely with all stakeholders in the region towards an accountable, transparent, and people-centered governance in the Bangsamoro.
“In the spirit of convergence, I urge you to continue working with all stakeholders in the region towards accountable, transparent, and people-centered governance in the region.
We are likewise encouraging you to engage in a continuing open and constructive exchange and dialogue with government and its instrumentalities to discuss the experiences and challenges of our people in Mindanao so that we can provide responsive policies to serve you,” he added.
The President also extended his gratitude to the MNLF, under the leadership of Chairmen Nur Misuari and Muslimin Sema, for their “steadfast commitment as natural allies of the administration,” and for support of the government’s anti-terrorism campaign, particularly in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
PEACE WITH CPP-NPA-NDFP
Galvez is optimistic the government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP will be able to finish a final peace agreement within the term of the President.
“Very, very optimistic. Yes, within the term of the President — or even before the term ends,” Galvez said when asked about the status of the negotiations with the communist rebels and if an agreement is expected within Marcos’ term until 2028.
Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., who represented the government, and Luis Jalandoni, a member of the National Executive Council of the NDFP for the communist group, signed a joint communique last November where they agreed to a principled and peaceful resolution to the armed conflict and end the armed struggle; recognized the need for the Philippines to unite in the face of serious socioeconomic, environmental and foreign security challenges; and agreed to engage in dialogues to come together on a peace and transformation framework that focuses on further addressing the socio-economic and political drivers of the armed conflict and finally ending the more than five-decades-old communist insurgency.
Galvez and retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista also signed the joint communique for the government, while Julieta de Lima, the Interim Chairperson of the negotiating panel of the NDFP, along with NDFP negotiating panel member Coni Ledesma signed for the NDFP.
Special Representative Kristina Lie Revheim on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) also signed the communique.
Galvez said constituency building and the exploratory talks between the two parties are still ongoing and both parties are coming up with a proposed framework for the final peace agreement.
“The President is very committed to finish all agreements and implement it during his term.
So, ‘yun po ang pinaka guidance niya po sa amin and we are more than happy and being inspired na we commit to the aspiration of the President and the national government that we will finish the final peace agreement with the CPP-NPA in the future (The President is very committed to finish all agreements and implement it during his term. That is his guidance to us and we are more than happy and being inspired to commit to the aspiration of the President and the national government that we will finish the final peace agreement with the CPP-NPA in the future),” he added.
Peace efforts with the CPP-NPA-NDFP were restarted under the Duterte administration, with then President Rodrigo Duterte initially calling for a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement, including a clear set of parameters or terms of reference that would be followed by the government and the communist rebels in order for the peace talks to proceed, and asked the CPP-NPA-NDF to cease the collection of revolutionary tax, and the conduct of extortion, extraction, arson and other illegal activities; cease any territorial claims of any barangay or lands; and release all its prisoners be it members of the police, military government or civilians.
The CPP-NPA-NDFP had imposed preconditions of their own such as the release from prison and exemption from arrest of some of their consultants and leaders, who have pending cases and are taking part in the talks.
The peace negotiations, however, collapsed and even resulted in the tagging of the CPP-NPA-NDFP as terrorist groups and its leaders as terrorists.
