MANILA: The Philippine government wants to get inputs from the people in New People’s Army (NPA)-infested areas before peace talks with the communist insurgents resume.
In a statement, chief government negotiator Alexander Padilla said any new approach must be time-bound and agenda-bound.
“Just look at the negotiations with the Milf (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and other peace negotiations abroad such as the current Colombian talks, where results are there after a given period of time,” he said.
The administration is considering the new approach to peacefully resolve the armed conflict with communist rebels, he added.
Padilla said hostilities must cease since thousands of civilians have suffered the brunt of the armed violence in 46 years of the communist insurgency.
“They should put an end to the senseless violence they are inflicting on our people, especially on innocent civilians,” he said.
The presidential adviser on the peace process, Teresita Deles, said the government was undertaking discussions and consultations with civil society groups and various sectors to develop a new approach to peace negotiations with the rebels.
“The peace panel is conducting consultations with stakeholders nationwide, side by side with inter-agency discussions and workshops within the government, to be able to bring in everyone’s input,” she said.
The government remains committed to ending all internal armed conflicts through a multi-track approach. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government will decided on the details of the new approach.
Lacierda said the rebels seemed to be making their presence felt during the election season.
“We are committed to solving internal armed conflicts peacefully, hence this statement from Secretary Ging Deles on the new approach,” he said.
The National Democratic Front (NDF) wants the government to free communist leaders facing criminal cases before peace talks resume. Luis Jalandoni, NDF negotiating panel chairman, said the government was obliged to free rebels with immunity guarantees.
THE PHILIPPINE STAR
