Progressive fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) has welcomed the beginning of peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the current administration.

In a statement, the group hopes that it would “pave the way for a national unity against foreign encroachment in the territorial waters.”

“Among the substantive agendas of the peace talks is the NDFP’s Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms, in which a number of issues on international relations would be discussed, particularly the adoption of active and independent foreign policies,” said Pamalakaya Chairperson Fernando Hicap stated.

According to the Pamalakaya, an active and autonomous foreign policy is critical, especially given China's continued takeover of the West Philippine Sea.

“Moreover, a national unity built on the Filipino people’s patriotic cause should be a priority to uphold and defend our national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the group added.

The progressive group, meanwhile, called on President Marcos to “create an enabling and conducive atmosphere for the peace negotiations”, including the unconditional release of detained NDFP negotiators and consultants.

As such, Pamalakaya sought the revocation of Executive Order No. 70 which created the controversial National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“While we express our full support to the peace talks, we likewise demand the abolition of peace spoilers and saboteurs like the NTF-ELCAC. Terror-tagging that endangers the democratic activists and peace advocates must also stop once and for all,” said Hicap.

On Nov. 28, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. announced that the NDFP and the government had reached an agreement on "a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict."