The Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) have agreed to resume peace talks to end decades-long armed struggle.
In a joint statement, the GRP and the NDFP “agree to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict” and “resolving the roots of the armed conflict and ending the armed struggle” to “pave the way for the transformation” of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-National Peoples’ Army (NPA)-NDFP.
Dated Nov. 23, the joint statement was signed by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. and NDFP National Executive Council Member Luis Jalandoni.
“Cognizant of the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and the foreign security threat facing the country, the parties recognize the need to unite as a nation in order to urgently address these challenges and resolve the reasons for the armed conflict,” the statement read.
“The parties acknowledge the deep-rooted socioeconomic and political grievances and agree to come up with a framework that set the priorities for the peace negotiation with the aim of achieving the relevant socioeconomic and political reforms towards a just and lasting peace,” it further read.
Product of two-year worth of ‘informal’ discussions, dialogues
During a media conference in Oslo, Norway, Jalandoni said the agreement was “almost two years” worth of informal discussions, workshops, and dialogues with GRP representatives which he said, was “positively welcomed” by late NDFP political consultant Joma Sison.
“After a long hiatus, the parties will again formally go back to the negotiating table even as we build on past achievements as well as learn from lessons alike,” Jalandoni continued.
“The NDFP is always open and willing to talk to the GRP and this will be for the interest and benefit of the Filipino people. We shall ensure the bilateral nature of the negotiations, reaffirm binding agreements, and negotiate on a framework of principles that will be mutually acceptable to both parties,” he added.
The GRP and the NDFP met informally in the Netherlands and Norway in 2022 for discussions facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government.
Formal talks were last conducted in 2017 when they were terminated by then-President Rodrigo Duterte.
(Photo from Presidential Communications Office)
