NDFP Demands Release of Consultant George Geluz and other NDFP Consultants

By LUIS G. JALANDONI

Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel strongly condemns the illegal arrest and detention of NDFP Consultant George Geluz. He is the holder of NDFP Document of Identification ND 978309 under the assumed name: Siloy Dimagiba. As an NDFP Consultant in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP, he is covered by the protection of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) of 24 February 1995.

The JASIG was subsequently approved by the Principals of the GRP and the NDFP. It is an effective and binding reciprocal peace agreement.

The illegal arrest of NDFP Consultant George Geluz on 8 February 2014 and his detention at the Camarines Norte Provincial Jail in Daet is a serious violation of the JASIG.

Despite having a permanent committee tasked to oversee the implementation of the JASIG and resolve problems and issues arising from it, as provided for in Executive Order 276 dated 19 September 1995 issued by GRP President Fidel V. Ramos, the BS Aquino regime, through its Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), refuses to abide by the JASIG and has exposed itself as without word of honor in complying with solemn agreements entered into in the course of peace negotiations.

The NDFP demands that NDFP Consultant George Geluz be immediately and unconditionally released. The same demand goes for all the other NDFP consultants and JASIG-protected NDFP personnel arrested and detained in violation of the JASIG.