Resumption of NDFP-GRP peace talks successful
The reopening of formal negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) from April 27 to 30 in Oslo, Norway was a success.
Comrade Luis Jalandoni led the NDFP Negotiating Panel, which also included Comrades Fidel V. Agcaoili and Coni Ledesma. Former Justice Sec. Silvestre Bello III headed the GRP panel, which included Agrarian Reform Sec. Hernani Braganza and Atty. Rene Sarmiento.
Discussions during the resumption of the peace negotiations were focused on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHRIHL and proposed goodwill and confidence-building measures by both panels. Also tackled was the conduct of discussions on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), the next topic in the substantive agenda of the peace talks.
Amid tortuous discussions, the NDFP demanded the immediate implementation of the CARHRIHL in order for it to serve as a weapon in the hands of the Filipino people against human rights violations. In this regard, the NDFP demanded that the GRP execute the following provisions immediately: (1) release of political prisoners; (2) indemnification of victims of martial law; (3) review and repeal of repressive laws; and (4) putting an end to destructive military operations and campaigns.
The NDFP also declared that it would accept the GRP's implementation of the following as goodwill and confidence-building measures: (1) a P125 across-the-board nationwide increase in workers' wages; (2) return of internal refugees to their respective homes; (3) approval and implementation of EO 10 that prohibits huge fishing boats, especially foreign ones, from municipal waters; and others.
The Reciprocal Working Committee for the SER conducted a preliminary meeting. Both sides agreed to form their respective subcommittees. The latter may hold informal meetings and conduct separate or joint public hearings in the Philippines in preparation for the actual meetings for the SER.
The NDFP and GRP have also agreed to hold the subsequent series of talks on June 9-15. Based on the warm reception and experience of Norway in sponsoring peace negotiations, both sides affirmed the proposal that the next round of negotiations be held there.
The NDFP anticipates much difficulty in advancing the peace talks. According to its chairperson Comrade Mariano Orosa, implementing the CARHRIHL and forging the CASER are definitely more serious and more complicated than the previous talks. On the other hand, he said that the people, who suffer from extreme poverty, exploitation and oppression can reap more significant gains from the negotiations.
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