As both the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) prepare for the resumption of peace talks, the Philippine Army said on Thursday, Nov. 30, that it will continue dismantling the weakened guerrilla fronts and neutralizing the remaining armed groups of the communist rebels.
“While there is no final peace framework, the Philippine Army would still continue its efforts to sustain the gains in Internal Security Operations by dismantling the weakened guerrilla fronts and neutralizing the remaining armed groups,” the Philippine Army said in a statement.
The government and the NDFP are yet to discuss the issue of ceasefire.
But the Philippine Army said it supports the joint statement by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) for a peaceful resolution of armed conflict.
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, officials of the NDFP and government security officials held a separate press conference to announce the agreement to go back to the negotiating table six years after the peace talks were cancelled.
In the joint statement signed on Nov. 23 by NDFP and government representatives, both parties agreed to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict. Resolving the roots of the armed conflict and ending the armed struggle shall pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDFP.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is the political wing of the communist rebels while the New People’s Army (NPA) is the group’s armed component.
“The parties acknowledge the deep-rooted socio-economic and political grievances and agree to come up with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation with the aim of achieving the relevant socioeconomic and political reforms towards a just and lasting peace. Such a framework, that will set the parameters for the final peace agreement, shall be agreed upon by both parties,” the Oslo Joint Communique read.
With the resumption of peace talks, the Philippine Army said it expects the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to lay down arms.
“We view and appreciate the exploratory talks with guarded optimism and welcome this development as it aims to address the issue of peace that shall pave the way to the development of the country,” the Army statement read.
“The Army will work closely with various government agencies, stakeholders, and private sectors to achieve a just and lasting peace for every Filipino. This is a significant breakthrough which symbolizes the collective efforts of all sectors of the society,” it added.
For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also expressed optimism that the resumption of the peace talks would lead to a positive result.
“In light of recent developments in our country, your Philippine National Police welcomes and express our wholehearted support for the Oslo Joint Communique and the Philippine Government’s agreement with the National Democratic Front (NDF) on ending the armed struggle and bringing about a peaceful resolution to the five-decade long armed conflict,” the PNP said in a separate statement.
“Always committed to promoting peace, human rights, and social justice, we pledge our unwavering support to the Oslo Joint Communique and the agreement to end the armed conflict and the armed struggle. We stand ready to contribute in any capacity to the realization of the agreements set forth in this joint communique.,” it added.