Mobilize thousands to fast-track freeze on land conversion, campaign for peasant rights

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National Democratic Front of the Philippines Southern Mindanao Region
Press Statement | September 19, 2016

The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao urges all peasants, Lumads and other revolutionary forces to mobilize tens of thousands to actively campaign for the moratorium on land conversion of agricultural lands and other peasant rights. Only through organized, sustained and militant mass movement will there be any chance to secure democratic rights at the present favorable situation.

The NDFP welcomes the commitment of GPH Department of Agrarian Reform Sec. Rafael Mariano to endorse to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte the suspension of further conversion of agricultural land for industrial and commercial purposes. Similarly laudable is the former peasant leader’s initiative to also condone penalties of agrarian reform beneficiaries who have failed to pay their amortization.

Such measures are necessary elements of socio-economic reform because it intends to provide relief to the productive forces—peasants and Lumads—long exploited by the semi-feudal landscape of the country’s agriculture and economy. Both peasants and Lumads, especially in Mindanao, bear the detrimental consequences of converting lands to commercial and industrial use.

While a freeze on land use conversion is a consequential step, it must also expand on precluding the excursion and expansion of agri-business plantations and foreign and large scale mining ventures in order to significantly push the dismantling of imperialist, feudal and semi-feudal control over vast tracts of the country’s productive lands.

At present, more than 12% of Mindanao’s agricultural lands are occupied by export crop plantations mostly owned by transnational corporations. To make matters worse, there are plans to expand 116,000 additional hectares for rubber, 87,903 hectares for coffee, and 60,000 hectares for cacao plantations by 2016. In Southern Mindanao alone, about one million hectares of land have pending applications for Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA).

Similarly, there is an urgent need to review, renegotiate or abrogate onerous trade agreements under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade of the World Trade Organization entered into by previous neoliberal-groveling reactionary regimes that have seriously damaged the productivity and welfare of the peasantry.

Next month, October, marks the Peasant and Lumad Month and concurrently the second round of the peace negotiations between the GPH and the NDFP. The NDFP urges all revolutionary mass organizations, legal organizations and allies to popularize and ensure thorough discussion of genuine land reform and national industrialization.

In the same vein, the NDFP warns peasants and Lumads to be wary of disgruntled big landlords, foreign large scale mining capitalists and their domestic bourgeois comprador partners and their armed cohorts who are out to sabotage the former’s interest for genuine land reform. For years, previous reactionary government have given them leeway to accumulate vast tracts of lands and continue their exploitation and plunder of our natural resources. We must seize every opportunity to achieve considerable gains and continue to be vigilant against saboteurs from the rabid faction of the ruling class.

(Sgd) RUBI DEL MUNDO
Spokesperson
NDF-SMR

West Cagayan report tungkol sa ceasefire

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Nagpapatuloy ang presensya ng combat troops ng 17th IBPA sa mga baryo/bayan ng Cagayan sa gitna ng unilateral declaration ng ceasefire ni Duterte noong July 25 at sa sumunod pang mga unilateral declarations ng NDFP/GRP

  • July 27 – pumasok ang RPSB sa Sta. Margarita, Baggao
  • August 22 – nagkumandong pumasok ang isang yunit ng 17th IB sa So. Tangilo, Barangay Sicalao, Lasam at tumungo sa kagubatang bahagi ng So. Magatalon, Brgy. Calasitan, Sto. Nino para magsagawa ng pagsasanay. Sa kanilang pagpasok ay may nakakita sa kanilang taumbaryo. Habang nasa kagubatan ng So. Magatalon ay naririnig ng ilang mga masang Agay ang kanilang tuluy-tuloy na pagpapaputok.
  • August 29 – nakita muli ng taumbaryo ang mga armadong sundalo sa masukal na bahagi ng Brgy. Balanni, Sto Nino.
  • Sept 2 -4 – pumasok ang 60 tropa ng 17th IB-RPSB-CAFGU sa So. Mauanan, Brgy. Iluro, Rizal. Nanatili sila sa may cellsite ng globe. Ayon sa paniktik ng hukbo, ito ay strike operation bilang reaksyon sa naipaabot sa kanilang presensya ng isang yunit ng NPA (Danilo Ben Command) sa erya.

NDF lauds Duterte’s anti-US tirade, urges junking of US-PH unequal agreements

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Press Statement
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
Southern Mindanao Region

The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao commends GPH Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte for his unprecedented statements against US imperialist intervention in the Philippines. No other Philippine president has ever publicly censured and taken US imperialism to task for its atrocious crimes against sovereign nations and peoples of the world.

Accustomed to high regard as a colonial master, US imperialism has had nothing but blind kowtowing from previous Philippine puppet regimes. Now at this critical time of its decisive hegemonic pivot to Asia and China’s challenge to its regional dominance, US imperialism’s sham “concern for human rights” is being challenged with open hostility by a government it considers its reliable lackey. The US government should be reminded and brought to justice for the millions of deaths in its hands, perpetrated in the name of consolidating its imperialist power over other sovereign states.

Indeed, US imperialism is worried about the present developments unraveling in the Philippines—the prospect of peace based on social justice. It can lose its control of the country if the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF should translate to the socio-economic and sovereign interest of the Filipino people. Hence, it is in its best interest to exploit anti-Duterte forces to sabotage the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDFP and preempt any substantial talks with Moro revolutionary groups by fomenting anti-Moro sentiments with US-backed bombings and other terrorist attacks.

Calling out US imperialism as the two-faced terrorist is a fundamental step, but it must also translate to junking colonial agreements. For the benefit of the Filipino people, GPH Pres. Duterte and his government must abrogate the Mutual Defense Treaty and junk the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement—policies that continue to position the Philippines as a willing pawn for US imperialism’s wars of aggression.

Duterte must persevere with his anti-imperialist stance in the course of the Asean Summit in Laos, chart an independent international policy by repudiating US intervention and neoliberal policies and enjoin other member-nations to do the same.

Furthermore, Duterte must seriously consider the central components of the proposed Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms under the GPH-NDF peace negotiations which aim to unchain the economy from the fetters of neoliberalism by advancing genuine land reform and national industrialization.

(Sgd) RUBI DEL MUNDO
Spokesperson
NDF-SMR

On the Davao bombing

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The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns the bombing last Friday evening at the Davao City night market resulting in the death of at least 14 innocent civilians. There is no acceptable justification for carrying out such an attack against civilians.

The bombing is being blamed on the Abu Sayyaf criminal bandit group and apparently aims to divert the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The AFP, which has been waging an all-out offensive against the group for several weeks now, plans to deploy up to 9,000 troops against the 250-strong group in Sulu. The Abu Sayyaf, established by US-organized “jihadists”, is notorious for carrying out kidnap-for-ransom activities and has recently drawn attention by beheading several of its hostages.

The CPP deplores the flawed declaration of a “state of lawless violence” which the AFP has taken advantage to effect and justify the massive deployment of military troops in civilian areas across the country.

Such troop deployment is based on the fallacy that the AFP- and US linked operations of a criminal group like the Abu Sayyaf can be preempted or prevented by putting restrictions on civil liberties. This extends to the mistaken assertion that all-out police armed offensives can put an end to drug menace which is mainly rooted on socio-economic conditions. Previous experiences, such as the declaration of state of lawless violence by the Arroyo regime after the 2003 bombings in Davao, has led not only to grave abuses of military at police authority, but also to heightened US intervention in Philippine internal affairs in the guise of “anti-terrorism.”

Giving the AFP the opportunity to flex its muscles will give its US masters extended influence and power in the Philippines. The AFP has long been the main pillar of US dominance in the country. The US has always sought to tighten its control over the AFP, finance the sale of more second-hand weapons in the name of “modernization”, establish more military bases in the country and strengthen its military foothold in the Asia-Pacific region.

[Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler]

CPP condemns US-instigated bombing in Davao

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The Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines condemns the US-imperialist instigated bombing of the night market in Roxas Avenue, Davao City at 9 pm, September 2, which claimed the lives of 15 civilians and critically injured 67 others. The CPP in Southern Mindanao and the revolutionary forces, likewise, commiserate with the families of the victims of this worst attack which hit the country since the Davao bombings of 2003. We enjoin the revolutionary forces and allies to extend all forms of support to the families of the victims.

The bombing was carried out and masterminded by no other than the world’s greatest terrorist: the US imperialist hegemony which is threatened by the Duterte government’s positive gestures toward the country’s anti-imperialist revolutionary forces and Duterte’s consistent pronouncements against US intervention in Philippine affairs.

The heinous attack in downtown Davao City, home to GPH Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, was clearly the handiwork of peace saboteurs, ultra-rightists AFP cliques, and big druglords—all anti-Duterte forces that conspire with US imperialism to subvert the Duterte government.

The September 2 bombing is wrought by the bloody hands of the US war machinery’s black operations. It is hardly coincidental that initial investigations have found similarities on the explosion device used on Friday’s bombing to the explosives found in the wreck of CIA agent Michael Mering’s hotel room in Davao City and the ones used in the Davao International Airport and the Sasa Wharf bombings in March and April 2003 respectively. So to is the fact that the bombing occurred in the hometown of the present GPH President, a city that has historically spurned US incursions for military basing or combat exercises.

GPH Pres. Duterte, then city mayor, has been witness to how the US terrorist network and its puppet fascist reactionary wreaked havoc in Davao City more than a decade ago. Disgruntled junior officers of the AFP divulged that the US-Arroyo regime masterminded the bombings that killed 38 and wounded 180 people.

A CIA-backed terrorist group was quick to admit its responsibility in last night’s bombing, a scripted rejoinder to sow further enmity against majority of Muslims who want just peace. US imperialism has always employed terror tactics to stir anti-Muslim sentiments and prelude its greater military intervention in countries that challenge its dominance and exploitation.

Clearly, US imperialism and its rightist and militarist cliques in the country are not happy with how the Duterte government is shaping its pro-peace governance as shown in the great strides in the peace negotiations between the GRP and the National Democratic Front, and as demonstrated by Duterte’s peace overtures with the MNLF and MILF.

The CPP in Southern Mindanao supports the resounding call of the Filipino people for a just and lasting peace. It is prepared to command the Red fighters and enjoin all revolutionary forces to defend civilians against attacks from US war hawks, peace saboteurs, rabid rightist cliques of the AFP and PNP, and other fascist enemies of the people.

(Sgd.) Siegfried M. Red
For the Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines

[Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler]

Unilateral Declaration of Interim Ceasefire

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[Pilipino »]

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) hereby declare to all commands and units of the NPA and people’s militias an interim ceasefire in line with the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and in pursuit of the August 26 Joint Statement of the NDFP and Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) on the resumption of formal peace negotiations.

This unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire is being issued by the CPP and NPA to further promote peace negotiations between the NDFP and the GRP and boost efforts to accelerate it. It reciprocates the indefinite ceasefire issued by the GRP President last August 21.

This unilateral declaration of interim ceasefire shall take effect today and will remain valid during the course of peace negotiations until superceded by a ceasefire agreement to be issued jointly by the NDFP with the GRP within the next 60 days or until a notice of termination of this ceasefire declaration takes effect 10 days after receipt of said notice by the GRP Negotiating Panel from the NDFP Negotiating Panel.

The CPP and NPA are encouraged by the positive outcome of the resumption of formal talks held in Oslo, Norway on August 22-26. The
revolutionary forces in the Philippines look forward to vibrant talks in the course of the next few months to discuss (a) social and economic reforms, (b) political and constitutional reforms, and (c) end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

The issuance of this interim ceasefire declaration is further encouraged by the prospective release of all political prisoners and
remaining detained consultants of the NDFP through the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation by the GRP President. These prisoners were arrested under the Arroyo and Aquino regimes in violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.

During the interim ceasefire period, all NPA units and people’s militia shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military campaigns and operations against the uniformed armed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) of the GRP.

Personnel of the AFP and PNP who have no serious liabilities other than their membership in their armed units shall not be subjected to arrest or punitive actions. They may be allowed individually to enter the territory of the people’s democratic government to make personal visits to relatives and friends.

While all units of the NPA and the people’s militias shall be on defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels, they shall nonetheless maintain a high degree of militancy and vigilance against any hostile actions, provocations or movements of the enemy armed forces including encroachment on the territory of the people’s democratic government, surveillance and other offensive operations that are labelled as “peace and development”, “civil-military”, “peace and order”, “anti drugs campaign,” “medical missions” or “law enforcement.”

Active-defense actions shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and imminent danger and actual armed attack by the enemy forces and only after exhausting counter-maneuvers to avoid armed encounters.

All leading organs and branches of the CPP, commands and units of the NPA and people’s militias and revolutionary mass organizations shall monitor any hostile actions, provocations or movements carried out by the enemy armed forces that undermine the spirit of the ceasefire declarations. These should be promptly reported to the concerned commands of the NPA and leadership of the CPP.

While ceasing offensive military operations, the NPA will continue to enforce policies and laws of the people’s democratic government, perform appropriate functions of governance, and mobilize the people and resources in territories under its authority, including:

  1. maintaining peace and order including suppression of criminal groups such as drug traffickers and operators of the drug trade and large-scale gambling, private armies and private armed groups of warlords, local tyrants and vigilante groups, as well as spies.
  2. enforcing local economic policies pertaining to land rent, usurious loans, wages and others.
  3. enforcing policies for the protection of the environment and defense of the interests of national minorities, peasants and workers affected by large-scale mining, logging and plantation operations.

Furthermore, as a cultural, political and service organization, the NPA will continue to dispatch its forces to carry out educational campaigns especially on progress of peace negotiations, cultural activities, medical missions and production support campaigns.

Unilateral na Deklarasyon ng pansamantalang tigil-putukan

Komite Sentral, Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at
Pambansang Kumand sa Operasyon, Bagong Hukbong Bayan

Agosto 28, 2016

Idinedeklara ngayon ng Komite Sentral ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) at ng Pambansang Kumand sa Operasyon ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa lahat ng kumand at yunit ng BHB at mga milisyang bayan ang isang pansamantalang tigil-putukan alinsunod sa rekomendasyon ng Negotiating Panel ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) at bilang pagtaguyod sa Magkasamang Pahayag ng NDFP at ng Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) nitong Agosto 26 tungkol sa muling pagsisimula ng pormal na negosasyong pangkayapaan.

Itong unilateral na deklarasyon ng pansamantalang tigil-putukan ay inilalabas ng PKP at BHB upang ibayong itaguyod ang negosasyong pangkapayapaan ng NDFP at GRP at itulak ang pagpapabilis nito. Tinutumbasan nito ang walang-taning na tigil-putukang inilabas ng Presidente ng GRP noong Agosto 21.

Magkakabisa ngayong araw itong unilateral na deklarasyon ng pansamantalang tigil-putukan at mananatiling maybisa sa panahon ng usapang pangkapayapaan hanggang sa palitan ng isang kasunduan sa tigil putukan na magkasamang ilalabas ng NDFP kasama ang GRP sa loob ng 60 araw o hanggang magkabisa sa loob ng 10 araw ng pagtanggap ng Negotiating Panel ng GRP ang isang pabatid ng pagtatapos sa deklarasyon sa tigil putukan mula sa Negotiating Panel ng NDFP.

Ang PKP at BHB ay nahihikayat ng positibong bunga ng muling pagbubukas ng pormal na pag-uusap sa Oslo, Norway nitong Agosto 22-26. Umaasa ang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa Pilipinas sa masigasig na pag-uusap sa darating na ilang buwan tungkol sa (a) mga repormang panlipunan at pang ekonomya; (b) mga reporma sa pulitika at konstitusyon; at (c) pagtatapos ng mga labanan at disposisyon ng mga pwersa.

Ang paglalabas nitong deklarasyon sa pansamantalang tigil-putukan ay lalong nahihikayat ng inaasahang pagpapalaya sa mga bilanggong pulitikal at ng nalalabi pang mga konsultant ng NDFP sa pamamagitan ng paglalabasng Amnesty Proclamation ng Presidente ng GRP. Ang mga bilanggo na ito ay inaresto sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo at Aquino na labag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) at sa Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.

Sa panahon ng pansamantalang tigil-putukan, tatapusin at ihihinto ng lahat ng yunit ng BHB at milisyang bayan ang paglulunsad ng mga opensibong kampanya at operasyong militar laban sa mga unipormadong armadong tauhan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ng GRP.

Ang mga tauhan ng AFP at PNP na walang seryosyong kaso liban sa pagiging myembro ng kanilang armadong yunit ay hindi aarestuhin o parurusahan. Maaari silang paisa-isang pumasok sa mga teritoryo ng demokratikong gubyernong bayan para sa mga personal na pagbisita sa kanilang mga kamag anak at kaibigan.

Habang lahat ng yunit ng BHB at milisyang bayan ay mananatiling nasa depensibong katayuan kapwa sa estratehiko at taktikal na antas, pananatilihin pa rin nila ang mataas na antas ng militansya at pagiging mapagbantay laban sa mapandigmang kilos, probokasyon o kilos ng mga armadong pwersa ng kaaway kabilang ang pagpasok sa teritoryo ng demokratikong gubyernong bayan, paniniktik at iba pang opensibong operasyon na tinataguring “peace and development”, “civil-military”, “peace and order”, “kampanyang anti-droga”, “medical mission” o “pagpapatupad ng batas”.

Ilulunsad lamang ang mga hakbanging aktibong-pagdepensa sa harap ng malinaw at napipintong peligro o aktwal na armadong atake ng kaaway at matapos lamang na mga kontra-maniobra para umiwas sa armadong engkwentro.

Dapat subaybayan lahat ng namumunong organo at sangay ng PKP, kumand at yunit ng BHB at milisyang bayan at rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa anumang mapandigmang kilos, probokasyon at pagkilos ng armadong pwersa ng kaaway na sumisira sa diwa ng mga deklarasyon sa tigil-putukan. Lahat ito’y dapat agad na iulat sa nauukol na kumand ng BHB at pamunuan ng PKP.

Habang inihihinto ang mga opensibong operasyong militar, ipagpapatuloy ng BHB ang pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran at batas ng demokratikong gubernong bayan, patuloy na ipatutupad ang gawain sa panggugubyerno at pakikilusin ang bayan at rekurso sa mga teritoryo sa ilalim ng awtoridad nito, kabilang ang:

  1. pagmantine ng kapayapaan at kaayusan kabilang ang pagsupil sa mga grupong kriminal tulad ng mga opereytor ng drug trafficking at malakihang sugal, mga private army at armadong grupo ng mga warlord, lokal na tirano at mga grupong vigilante, pati na mga espiya.
  2. pagtupad ng mga patakaran sa ekonomya na pumapatungkol sa upa sa lupa, usura, sahod at iba pa.
  3. pagtupad ng batas para sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan at pagtatanggol sa interes ng mga pambansang minorya, magsasaka at mga manggagawa na apektado ng malakihang pagmimina, pagtotroso at mga operasyon ng plantasyon.

Dagdag pa, bilang isang organisasyong pangkultura, pampulitika at panserbisyo, ipagpapatuloy ng BHB ang pagpapakat ng mga pwersa nito para magsagawa ng mga kampanyang pang-edukasyon, laluna tungkol sa takbo ng negosasyong pangkapayapaan, mga aktibidad pangkultura, pagbibigay ng serbisyong medikal at paglulunsad ng mga kampanya pamproduksyon.

[Related post: Next round of talks crucial, needed reforms on the agenda »]

NPA turns over POWs to Sen. Pacquiao in Davao Oriental

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The New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command yesterday released from its custody Prisoners of War Arnold S. Ongachen and Michael B. Grande and turned them over to Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and other peace advocates in Brgy. Kalapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental. Pursuant to the Release Order issued by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, Red fighters under the ComVal – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command undertook the orderly release with more than a thousand masses in attendance.

POW Ongachen was arrested during the successful raid of the Gov. Generoso Municipal Police Station on May 29 while POW Grande was taken into custody on June 19 in Lupon, Davao Oriental. Both prisoners underwent investigation of their possible crimes against the people and the revolutionary movement.

During the release, POWs Ongachen and Grande thanked their respective NPA custodial units for the latter’s lenient treatment and ensuring their safety. The two PNP officers were held in secure custody by Red fighters despite relentless AFP combat operations.

In his speech, Sen. Pacquiao vowed to engage in issues that affect the Filipino people and work with revolutionary forces in order to address such problems. We urge him to make good on his commitment by actively deliberating in the Philippine Senate issues on genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization. He can also aid in the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining political prisoners still in jails across the country.

Moreover, as one who has roots in the toiling class from Southern Philippines, Sen. Pacquiao knows all too well the struggles
beleaguering the Lumad and peasant and the exacerbating effect of continuing militarization by the AFP and its paramilitaries. Less than 24 hours after the release of the 2 POWs, AFP troops are already conducting combat operation and terrorizing civilians in Brgy. Kalapagan.

The NPA in Southern Mindanao welcomes all friendly overtures by politicians of the Philippine government on the basis of advancing people’s issues and national unity.

Sgd. RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ
Spokesperson
NPA-SMR

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE RESUMPTION OF THE FORMAL TALKS IN THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE GRP AND NDFP

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We, the Negotiating Panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) successfully resumed the formal talks in the peace negotiations from 22 to 26 August 2016 in Oslo, Norway facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG), thereby ending almost half a decade of impasse in the formal talks in the peace negotiations.

At the opening ceremonies, RNG Special Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process Amb. Elisabeth Slattum welcomed the two delegations and introduced Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende who gave the opening speech. He reiterated the firm commitment of the RNG to support the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations.

Sec. Jesus G. Dureza, GRP Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PAPP), and Prof. Jose Maria C. Sison, Chief Political Consultant of the NDFP, expressed the commitment of the two Parties to resume the formal talks in the peace negotiations in order to resolve the armed conflict by addressing its root causes.

The Chairpersons of the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels, Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III and Luis G. Jalandoni, delivered their opening statements and introduced their respective Panel members.

On the side of the GRP: Panel Chairperson Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III and Panel members, Hernani A. Braganza, Atty. Rene V. Sarmiento, Atty. Angela L. Trinidad, and Atty. Antonio B. Arellano.

On the side of the NDFP: Panel Chairperson Luis G. Jalandoni and Panel members Fidel V. Agcaoili, Julieta S. de Lima, Coni K. Ledesma and Asterio B. Palima.
Both sides also brought along members of their respective Reciprocal Working Committees-Social and Economic Reforms (RWCs-SER), Reciprocal Working Groups-Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWGs-PCR), Reciprocal Working Groups-End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (RWGs-EHDF), consultants, cooperators, experts and technical personnel.

The two Panels agreed on the following:

1. Reaffirmation of Previous Agreements

The GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels (henceforth, the Parties) reaffirmed the previously signed agreements since The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 and resolved to conduct formal talks and consultations in accordance with said agreements.

We hereby resume the formal talks in the peace negotiations of the GRP and NDFP. We reaffirm all the previous bilateral and binding agreements made in these negotiations, starting with The Hague Joint Declaration of September 1, 1992, and including the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) of February 24, 1995; the Joint Agreement on the Formation, Sequence and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees (RWC) of the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels of June 26, 1995; and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) of March 16, 1998.

The affirmed documents shall be subject to further developments and enhancements as may be mutually agreed upon.

2. Reconstitution of the JASIG List

The NDFP Negotiating Panel presented the Reconstituted List of holders of the NDFP document of identification who are protected by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). The GRP Negotiating Panel acknowledged receipt of the said list. Both Parties agreed on the procedure and persons responsible for the documentation of the NDFP holders of identification, safekeeping of documents and verification of the holders of identification in accordance with the JASIG.

3. Acceleration of the Peace Negotiations

The Parties agreed to accelerate the peace process and set the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks: socio-economic reforms; political and constitutional reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces. The meetings of the aforementioned shall be held in one venue to enable the Panels to supervise their work. The RWCs-SER will endeavor to complete their work within a period of six months.

Meetings of RWCs, RWGs and JMC

The Panels convened the Joint Meeting of their RWCs-SER and their Reciprocal Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWGs-PCR) and on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (RWGs-EHDF) to discuss the agenda, mechanics and timeline of their work, and the meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) and their Chairpersons. The RWCs-SER, RWGs-PCR, RWGs-EHDF and JMC agreed on the following which were approved by the panels:

a. RWCs-SER

On the methods of work, the RWCs agreed to have an exchange of proposed drafts on the CASER framework and outline on or before September 15, 2016. The exchange of drafts can be done through email.

Thereafter, the RWCs shall submit their respective comments on the proposed drafts on the CASER framework and outline on or before September 30, 2016. They may also submit further clarification or response to the comments on the proposed drafts on or before October 10, 2016.

After the exchange of drafts on the CASER framework and outline and comments and further clarification, the RWCs agreed to meet between October 19 and 30, 2016 to discuss and finalize the framework and outline of the CASER, their work schedule and methods of work and other matters.

b. RWGs-PCR

The Reciprocal Working Groups of the GRP and NDFP on Political and Constitutional Reforms agreed to hold their first and further meetings in Oslo, Norway in synchronization with the meetings of the RWCs on Socio Economic Reforms.

The schedule of the meetings and the respective tasks will be as follows:

  • September 2016 – both RWGs will exchange drafts of their respective outlines through e-mail.
  • October 2016 – the RWGs will meet in in Oslo, Norway for the purpose of arriving at a common draft of the outline.
  • November 2016 – the RWGs will proceed to respectively enflesh the agreed common draft of the outline.
  • December 2016 – the one week drafting of the common draft of the CAPCR by the RWGs will be held in Oslo, Norway.
  • Both RWGs will allow for consultations with Principals and researches thereafter.
  • January 2017 – a one week drafting to complete the CAPCR in Oslo, Norway will continue until the full text of a DRAFT CAPCR is finally completed possibly by the end of January 2017 for submission to the respective Panels.

c. RWGs-EHDF

The Reciprocal Working Groups on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (RWGs-EHDF) of the GRP and NDFP agreed to hold their first and further meetings in Oslo, Norway in synchronization with the meetings of the RWCs on SER and RWGs on PCR.

The RWGs on EHDF agreed to present their respective draft outlines for the Comprehensive Agreement on EHDF on October 24, 2016 or on the next scheduled Panel meeting, whichever comes first. The meetings shall also include:

The formulation of a common outline for the CAEHDF
Date of exchange of first drafts.
Plan for the date of the first meeting to discuss the first draft.
Schedule for further exchange of succeeding drafts.
Plan and timeline for further meetings.

d. Joint Monitoring Committee

The JMC Chairpersons agreed to discuss the following agenda items when it meets on September 20-21, 2016 at 10:00 am at the RNG Embassy in Taguig City or at a neutral venue to be identified by the RNG: (a) Formal revitalization of the JMC, (b) Draft Common Supplemental Guidelines for the Operationalization of the JMC; (c) Issues and Concerns regarding the Joint Secretariat; (d) Proposed Joint Activities; and (e) Schedule of Next Meeting. To facilitate discussion for its next meeting, the GRP MC and NDFP MC Chairpersons will exchange Notes in the next three weeks: (a) the GRP MC will submit its comments on the Draft Common Supplemental Guidelines which were initialed by the JMC in April 2011 at the RNG Embassy in Makati City; (b) the NDFP MC will submit a paper regarding issues and concerns relative to the Joint Secretariat; and (c) the GRP MC and NDFP MC will submit their respective proposals on joint activities of the Joint Secretariat.

4. Releases

The NDFP expresses appreciation for, and the GRP acknowledges, the efforts of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to fulfill his promise to order the release of the NDFP consultants in pursuit of peace and with due consideration to JASIG, as recommended by the GRP Panel. Thus, the aforesaid consultants are enabled to participate in the peace negotiations.

The NDFP thanks the GRP under President Duterte for committing to cause the early release of prisoners (as listed by the NDFP) who are sick, elderly, overly long detained and women based on humanitarian grounds.

5. Amnesty Proclamation

The Parties agree that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Panel will immediately recommend to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of Congress, for the release of prisoners who are listed by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and who have been arrested, imprisoned, charged, and/or convicted for alleged acts or omissions within the ambit of the Revised Penal Code or special laws in connection with alleged crimes in pursuit of one’s political beliefs. The Parties will discuss the content and language of the prospective Amnesty Proclamation.

6. Ceasefire

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) shall declare and issue an indefinite unilateral ceasefire order to the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militia, upon the end of their current ceasefire order on August 27, 2016. The aforesaid unilateral ceasefire shall be in response to President Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire which was effective indefinitely from August 21, 2016.

The Negotiating Panels agreed to work through their respective ceasefire committees to reconcile and develop their separate unilateral ceasefire orders into a single unified bilateral document within 60 days from the date of this Joint Statement. Said document shall be subject to the approval of their respective Principals.

The Parties also discussed the prospective adoption of annexes to the bilateral ceasefire agreement and the prospective role of a third party in ceasefire monitoring and mediation in relation to the implementation of the ceasefire, and the handling of complaints and alleged violations. The ceasefire agreement shall be deemed interim in relation to the outcomes of negotiations leading to a Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.

7. Next Meeting
The Panels agreed to meet again on October 8-12, 2016 in Oslo, Norway.
Expression of Gratitude to the RNG
Both Panels expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Government for its able facilitation, hospitality and continuing support for the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. In particular, the Panels wish to acknowledge the following: Minister of Foreign Affairs Borge Brende, State Secretary Tore Hattrem, Special Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process Elisabeth Slattum, Senior Advisor Marianne W. Hille, Senior Advisor Arne Jan Flolo, Advisor Mirjan Ehl, Foreign Service Trainee Ida Marstein and Senior Advisor Marco Mezzera.

Signed in Oslo, Norway on 26 August 2016.

Sec.  Silvestre H. Bello III

Chairperson of the GRP Panel

 Luis G. Jalandoni

Chairperson of the NDFP Panel
Hernani A. Braganza

Member GRP Panel

 Fidel V. Agcaoili

Member NDFP Panel
Rene V. Sarmiento
Member GRP Panel		 Julieta S. de Lima

Member NDFP Panel
Angela L. Trinidad

Member GRP Panel

 Coni K. Ledesma

Member NDFP Panel
Antonio B.  Arellano

Member GRP Panel

 Asterio B. Palima

Member NDFP Panel
WITNESSES:
Sec. Jesus G. Dureza

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

 Prof. Jose Maria Sison

NDFP Chief Political Consultant
Elisabeth Slattum
Third Party Facilitator
For the Royal Norwegian Government

The GRP Delegation was headed by Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. Included in the Delegation are: Panel Chairperson Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Panel Members Mr. Hernani A. Braganza, Atty. Rene V. Sarmiento, Atty. Angela L. Trinidad, and Atty. Antonio B. Arellano; Undersecretary Diosita T. Andot, Assistant Secretary Dickson P. Hermoso, Consultants Milo S. Ibrado, Jr. and Jose Christopher Fornier II; Communications Group Head Patricia Melizza B. Ruivivar; Panel Advisers Mayors Herbert M. Bautista and Edgardo D. Pamintuan; Working Group Heads Atty. Efren C. Moncupa (RWC-SER Chair and Concurrent GRP-MC Chair), Roberto M. Ador (Alternate RWC-SER Chair), Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria (RWG-PCR), Dr. Francisco J. Lara, Jr. (RWG-Ceasefire), and Atty. Vincent Paul L. Montejo (RWG-JASIG/Releases); Panel Technical Committee Head Danilo L. Encinas and Members Teodoro Cirilo T. Torralba III, Atty. Berlin SM Berba, Col. Francisco Ariel A. Felicidario III, and Police Chief Supt. Agrimero A. Cruz Jr.; and Panel Secretariat Head Maria Carla Munsayac Villarta. Secretariat Staff Oscar B. Bathan and Fe O. Doromal; Support Staff for Communications Edwin G. Espejo and Ruben Manahan; and Technical Staff of Panel Members Rhoda I. Espino and Dr. Jesus Cruz. Also present was Cong. Victor A. Yap as Observer.

The NDFP Delegation was composed of Panel Chairperson Luis G. Jalandoni and Panel Members Fidel V. Agcaoili, Julieta S. de Lima-Sison, Coni K. Ledesma, Asterio B. Palima, members; NDFP Chief Political Consultant Prof. Jose Maria Sison; Political Consultants Benito Tiamzon, Vicente Ladlad, Rey Claro Casambre, Danilo Borjal; Legal Consultants Edre U. Olalia, Rachel Pastores, Carlos Montemayor Jr.; Legal Resource Person Marie Yuvienco; RWC-SER Members Alan Jazmines, Rafael Baylosis, Randall Echanis, Adelberto Silva; RWC-SER Consultants Gabriel Kennedy Bangibang, Ruben Saluta, Jaime Soledad; RWG-PCR Members Renante Gamara, Alfredo Mapano, Ernesto Lorenzo; RWG-PCR Consultant Felix Randy Malayao Jr.; RWG-PCR Cooperators Carol P. Araullo, Satur Ocampo; RWG-EHDF Chairperson Wilma Tiamzon and RWG-EHDF Members Pedro Codaste, Porferio Tuna; RWG-EHDF Consultants Tirso Alcantara, Ariel Arbitrario, Eduardo Genelza; JMC Member Concha Araneta-Bocala; Secretariat Head Marissa P. Dumanjug-Palo.

 

 

Next round of talks crucial, needed reforms on the agenda

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Press release | OSLO, Norway – “The joint statement that you are about to sign is unprecedented and a step toward just and lasting peace,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, opening the closing ceremonies of the five-day peace talks.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) ended more than half a decade of impasse, resuming the formal talks from August 22 to 26 and coming to an agreement in all six items in the agenda.

“We further welcome the acceleration of the peace negotiations…Norway is committed to assist you in your way to peace. We are happy to welcome you again in October and I can promise you Indian summer in October,” said Brende.

The Panels agreed to meet again on October 8-12, 2016 in Oslo, Norway.

“I am sure that the Filipino people appreciate the work of the two negotiating panels and that they are elated by the results of the formal talks. These advance their struggle for national and social liberation and for a just and lasting peace,” said Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant.

“We cannot achieve this successful and very significant step forward in the peace negotiations without the strong commitment of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the spirit of goodwill and friendliness of our counterparts: the GRP Negotiating Panel, its Chairperson Silvestre H. Bello, the panel members and other members of their delegation,” said Luis Jalandoni, Chair of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, in his closing statement.

The Negotiating Panels signed the “Joint Statement on the Resumption of the Formal Peace Talks in the Peace Negotiations” on August 26, just before 12nn, at the Saga Hall of the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel.

The Panels agreed on six points: reaffirmation of previously signed agreements, reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list, acceleration of the peace negotiations, releases of political prisoners, amnesty proclamation and ceasefire.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NDFP shall declare and issue an indefinite unilateral ceasefire order to the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militia, upon the end of their current ceasefire order on August 27, 2016 in response to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire effective indefinitely from August 21.

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Photo NDFP

The parties agreed that the GRP would immediately recommend to President Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of the Philippine Congress. The proclamation shall order the release of all political prisoners and prisoners listed by the NDFP.

“To the political prisoners, we deeply value your unflinching stand for the people. We rely on your invaluable support. We are resolutely committed to join you and many human rights organizations and peace advocates in pressing for your freedom as a matter of justice,” said Jalandoni.

“This resumption of the formal talks has had the unique privilege of having our newly released NDFP consultants,” said Jalandoni.

The Panels also agreed to accelerate the peace negotiations, setting the next meetings and work timelines of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER), and the Reciprocal Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWG-PCR) and on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (RWG-EHDF).

The next round of talks in October is crucial because the needed social, economic and political reforms will be on the agenda. Without such agreement on the needed reforms there can be no sustainable and lasting peace.

“To the Filipino people who aspire for a just and lasting peace, based on addressing the roots of the armed conflict, through genuine land reform, national industrialization and other fundamental social, economic and political reforms, we shall work and struggle together to achieve a just and lasting peace,” concluded Jalandoni.

Remarks at the Signing of the Joint Statement of the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels Oslo, Norway, August 26, 2016

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By Prof. Jose Maria Sison NDFP Chief Political Consultant

I feel both honored and delighted to have participated in the successful resumption of the formal talks in the peace negotiations between the GRP and NDFP. The Joint Statement that we are signing and issuing today manifests the historic significance of what has been accomplished.

The accumulated agreements have been reaffirmed. The participants in the peace negotiations are further assured of safety and immuniy guarantees. The release of the NDFP consultants will lead to the amnesty and release of all those wrongly imprisoned in violation of their democratic rights and such agreements as the JASIG and CARHRIHL.

The plan of accelerated negotiations carries definite work schedules to produce comprehensive agreements on social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and the end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

The current unilateral goodwill ceasefire of the NDFP will give way to a unilateral indefinite interim ceasefire in response to that of the GRP. The two unilateral ceasefire declarations are immediately effective and shall be reconciled in a single bilateral document.

I am sure that the Filipino people appreciate the work of the two negotiating panels and that they are elated by the results of the formal talks. These advance their struggle for national and social liberation and for a just and lasting peace.

The negotiating panels and their respective consultants and staff deserve all congratulations for their success and all encouragement for further advances on the long and difficult road of peace negotiations.

Of course the success of both panels can be traced all the way to the political will and determination of their principals, President Duterte and the NDFP leadership, to pursue the peace negotiations and bring about substantial social, economic and political reforms for the benefit of the Filipino people.

We hope that the peace negotiations will continue to be carried out seriously and diligently in response to the worsening crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system and the clamor of the people for revolutionary change.

We congratulate and thank the Royal Norwegian Government and in particular special envoy Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum for the warm, efficient and charming facilitation for the formal talks and the ensuing success.

The chief negotiator of the NDFP Luis Jalandoni shall express to all concerned the collective view and sense of gratitude of the NDFP panel and entire delegation. May the press and all those present convey the good news to the Philippine and international public. Thank you.