15/12/2023
STATEMENT ON THE RE-OPENING OF THE GPH-NDFP PEACE TALKS
WE STAND FOR PEACE!
The recently concluded talks and signed communique between the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front is a welcome development. We express our support for the revival of the peace talks, but we would like to raise some crucial reservations.
While the progress in dialogue is commendable, it is essential to approach this renewed engagement with a keen awareness of the challenges and complexities inherent in the peace process. We advocate for a cautious optimism that takes into account the following considerations:
1. The historical context of failed peace talks necessitates a meticulous examination of the new frameworks and agendas proposed. It is crucial to ensure that the lessons learned from past negotiations inform the shaping of a more effective and inclusive approach.
2. Acknowledging the strategic setbacks faced by the CPP-NPA-NDF, it is imperative to emphasize that they are currently in no capacity to set preconditions and demands on the government.
3. The release of political prisoners, a topic often intertwined with peace talks, must be approached judiciously. We stress that no political prisoners should be released, and in the absence of a fully operational NDF peace panel and consultants, the appointment of new consultants becomes a prerequisite for the progress of the peace talks.
4. The prospect of a ceasefire agreement demands careful consideration. It is essential that any ceasefire clearly outlines the commitment of the CPP-NPA-NDF to refrain from engaging in activities such as mass base recovery, agrarian revolution, and party building. This specificity is crucial for building trust and preventing potential misinterpretations.
5. The role of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) should not be dismissed but rather strengthened. Addressing localized peace engagement and immediate issues that fuel insurgency is a critical aspect of the overall peace-building strategy.
6. We advocate for prioritizing localized peace engagement over national peace talks to more directly address burning issues affecting communities. This approach can lead to a more nuanced and responsive resolution to the root causes of conflict.
7. The sincerity and commitment of the CPP-NPA-NDF in ending armed struggle must be a central focus during these talks. There should be a genuine exploration of their potential for transformation and reintegration into mainstream society, ensuring the dignity of their involvement in addressing social, political, and economic issues through peaceful means.
While supporting the re-opening of the GPH-NDFP peace talks, we emphasize the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive approach. It is our hope that these reservations are considered thoughtfully and that the negotiations lead to a just, humane, and lasting peace in our country.
WE STAND FOR PEACE!
WE STAND FOR THE PEOPLE!
*Luzon*
1. Ivylyn Corpin, Former Secretary, CPP East Front Committee, KomProb Cagayan, KRCV
2. Mauricio Aguinaldo, RTO of Fighting Guerilla Unit, Cagayan-Apayao Former, Former Secretary/ED Officer of SPL, Former Political Instructor of Milisyang Bayan, Former Municipal Chairman of CAGUIMUNGAN, Former District Chairman/Coordinator of Anakpawis Partylist
3. Maria Christine T. Macaspac @ Kira, Former Spekesperson, Migrante International and Migrante Youth/ KT Member Migrants Bureau/ Political Guide Squad Uno Platoon Apol Danilo Ben Command
4. Mae Garcia, Former Political Instructor, CPP Front Committee - Caraballo, CLRC
5. Florida "KA PONG" Sibayan, Chairman, Malayang Magbubukid ng Hacienda Luisita (MALAYA) | Former Chair, AMBALA- AMGL-Tarlac
6. Lady Desiree Miranda, Former Regional Spokesperson, Anakbayan Central Luzon | Former Political Guide, CPP Front Committee- Caraballo, CLRC
7. Jose Gamay, Former Provincial Chairperson, Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid - Nueva Ecija, CLRC
8. Aquilino Lopez, Adviser of Nagkakaisang Magsasaka ng Mangang Marikit | Former Deputy Chair, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Central Luzon
9. Mario Gagabi, Chairperson, Nagkakaisang Magbubukid ng San Jose City | Former Provincial Coordinator, Bayan Muna Nueva Ecija
10. Kulit Reyes, Former Secretary General, Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) - Bataan
11. Mar Paragas, President of BATAAN "6M" UNITY | Former Vice Chair of AMGL β Bataan
12. Kate Raca, Former Political Instruction Bienvenido Valleber Command, NPA Palawan
13. Alvaro Lauriano, President Aniban ng mga MAgbubukid ng Cuyapo Farmers Association
14. Michael Kindipan, Chairman IPβs KM8 Agriculture Association
15. Liezel Oscaarez, Chairman Samahang Kabuhayan Kababaihan ng MAtawe
16. Jonadel Abellera, Chairman Boses ng Kabataan β Lupao Chapter
17. Esperanza Costales, Chairman Liga ng Kababaihan ng Lupao
18. Emir Neri Catbagan βKa Adamβ, Former Kagawad Youth Sector Regional Youth Sector Committee, Ilocos Region; Former Medical Officer of Regional Guerilla Unit, Ilocos Cordillera Region (CPP)
19. Victor Baltazar, Former Vice Squad Leader of Regional Guerilla Unit, Ilocos Cordillera Region (CPP), Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Ampis
20. Erick βKa Mimiβ Simogan, Deputy Political Instructor Yunit Gawaing Masa STRPC/SRMA 4A
*Visayas*
21. Rev. Romeo Ngoho, UCCP/ Biliran Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association
22. Freddie Bolito, Former Deputy Secretary for Organization Front Committee Damol, EVRPC/ President Samar Peace Builders Group
23. Rey Christian Sabado, Former Deputy Secretary for Education, CPP - Front Committee 2, SRC Emporium, EVRPC/ Secretary Nagkakaisang Nortehanon Agricultural Cooperative
24. Elmer Anota, Former Deputy Secretary for Education, Regional Urban Committee CPP - Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), President Loyalty, Peace & Productivity Organization, Inc., Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran Provinces
25. Genelyn Guarino, Former Deputy Secretary for Education SRC Sesame EVRPC/ Board Secretary Uswag Sinirangan Bisayas Inc.
26. Ser**eon Jongco, Former Regional Liaison EVRPC, Former Medical Officer of Jorge Bolito Command/ President Alang-alang Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association
27. Zaldy Centino, Former Secretary Regional Workers Bureau RWAC EVRPC, Former Regional Coordinator KMU-EV
28. Alma Gabin, Former Deputy Secretary for Education, CPP - Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC)/ President Eastern Visayas Peace Builders and Development Federation Inc.
29. Francisco B. Paca-anas Jr, Former Political Guide Jorge Bolito Command NPA South Samar, SRC Sesame, EVRPC
30. Lex Mika Bustillo, Sambayanan Capiz
31. Napoleon Escalona, Former President Kadamay Tacloban/ President Tacloban Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association
32. Claire Centino, Former Regional Coordinator ACT Partylist Eastern Visayas, Former member of Regional Youth, Students, Teachers and Cultural Bureau RWAC EVRPC
33. Lito Dingal, Former Section Committee member RWAC EVRPC/ President San Roque Diit Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association
*Mindanao*
34. Noel Legaspi, Former Spokesperson, NDF-Far South Mindanao Region | Former Deputy Secretary, Far South Mindanao Regional Committee (FSMRC)
35. Sophia Dioya, Former Secretary, CPP Sub-Regional Committee Tala | Regional Execom Member, FSMRC
36. Belly Berana, Vice Commanding Officer, Regional Operational Command, FSMR | Regional Execom Member, FSMRC
37. A***n Jane Ramos, Former Spokesperson, Gabriela-Youth SMR | Former Secretary, CPP Front Committee 55, SMRC
38. Joy Saguino, Former National Vice-Chair for Mindanao, Anakbayan National | Former Deputy Secretary, CPP Sub-Regional Committee-1, SMRC
39. Ivan Conan S Cael, Former Secretary, CPP Sub-Regional Committee-3, SMRC | Regional Execom Member, SMRC
40. Roeder Paul Tanghal, Former Secretary, CPP Front Committee 20, SMRC
41. Leo Bernaldez, Former Front Medical Staff, CPP Front Committee 20, SMRC
42. Jackielyn Ann Elaco, Former Secretary, CPP Front Committee 68-B, NCMRC
43. Reymark Pangasian, Former Political Guide, Main Regional Guerrilla Unit, WMRC
44. SAMBAYANAN - Zamboanga Peninsula, Region IX Western Mindanao
45. Jeanalyn Legaspi, Former Gabriela Women's Party South Cotabato Coordinator, Former Secretary of Regional Medical Staff, FSMR, Secretary General SOCCSKSARGEN Peace Advocates for Nation-Building and Development (SPAND)
46. Daniel Castillo, Former Political Instructor, NPA Guerilla Front 55, SRC 5, SMRC
47. Kurt Russel Sosa, Former Secretary NPA Guerilla Front 34, SRC 4, SMRC
48. Rosel G. Polinar, Former Liaison Officer GF4A, Former Regional WA Committee CPP NEMRC/ Treasurer NACAPASAKAKA
49. Alexander Puertogalera, Former KMU Organizer South Cotabato, Former Secretary Regional Finance Bureau CPP FSMRC/ Vice Chairman for External Affairs SPAND
50. Jennel T. Cabugsa, Former Chairperson PIGBULIGAAN Bukidnon, Core Organizer BUKAS KALINAW
51. Datu Jumorito Goaynon, Former Spokesperson, Kalumbay Northern Mindanao (Regional IP Organization) National Council and Founding member, Sandugo β Alliance of Moro and Indigenous People for Self-Determination, Current President Amihanang Mindanao Kauban sa Kalinaw (AMIN Kalinaw)