AT least 61 members of the House of Representatives belonging to different political parties support the resumption of peace talks with the communist rebels.
In House Resolution 1803, the lawmakers called on President Rodrigo Duterte to resume peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and pursue social, economic and political reforms in Mindanao toward a lasting and genuine peace.
The measure cited both parties’ “remarkable and unparalleled headway” in their peace efforts during four successful rounds of peace talks.
“Continuing the peace talks would benefit the Filipino people, most of whom are poor peasants and workers, as the agreements on agrarian reform and national industrialization may address their issues and concerns and help provide relief for their economic hardships,” the resolution read.
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, one of the signatories, said the filing of the resolution was “very encouraging.”
“The best government policy to deal with the root causes of the armed conflict is through the peace talks and in implementing genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization,” he said.
“We are calling on all peace-loving people to intensify our earnest call for the government and NDFP to give the quest for a just and lasting peace a chance. This is not the time to abandon it, for the greater interest of our country and people.”
Peace talks ended on Nov. 23, 2017 when the President issued Proclamation No. 360 terminating negotiations with the communists. He has since ordered the arrest of communist rebels who were given temporary liberty to participate in the peace talks.
Among those who signed the resolution were Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago Zarate; Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza;
Quezon City Rep. Jose Christopher Belmonte; Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman; Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin; Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus; Tarlac Rep. Victor Yap; Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson; Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas; Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo; Marikina City Rep. Bayani Fernando; Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr.; Pangasinan Leopoldo Bataoil; Quezon Rep. Jorge Banal; Act Teachers Rep. France Castro; Bohol Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado; Cavite Rep. Strike Revilla; LPGMA Rep. Arnel Ty; Manila Rep. Yul Servo; Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu and Manila Rep. Edward Maceda.
Also on Sunday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said communist leaders’ denial of mass surrenders of their fighters was a sign of desperation.
“The latest statement of the CPP shows that they are now in a quandary as to how they can reverse their current predicament,” Lorenzana said. “Because of the government’s sincere call for peace, they have lost a lot of fighters lately, and their mass base has rapidly dwindled. Labeling everything that the government has achieved so far as a mere hoax manifests desperation and obviously a futile attempt to discredit our efforts in forging peace.”
Lorenzana said that the public is well aware of the lies being perpetuated by the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.
“How can the CPP claim that most of the surrenderees are not NPA fighters but ‘supporters’ and even demand a public apology from the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] when in fact, these former rebels who responded to the government’s call for peace include their former regional secretary in Far South Mindanao, their former regional commanders in northern Mindanao, and in Surigao, a front secretary in Davao, and a number of their platoon and team leaders, along with their firearms? It is the communist terrorist CPP-NPA who should apologize to these people whom they have deceived, and who have sacrificed their lives and their families because of this deception,” the defense chief added.
Earlier, the AFP reported that a total of 4,356 NPA regular members and their supporters have surrendered to government forces nationwide starting Jan 1 up to March 15 this year.
“The figure is composed of 626 NPA regulars and Sangay sa Partido Lokal [SPL] or local party members and 3,730 Militia ng Bayan [MB], Underground Mass Organization [UGMO] members and mass supporters. Majority of surrenders happened in eastern Mindanao particularly in the regions of Davao and Caraga totaling 97 percent or 4,194,” the AFP added.
In line with this, Lorenzana urged all remaining NPA rebels to surrender peacefully as they no longer have any ideology to fight for.
“What’s left is an organization that uses the plight of vulnerable sectors to promote their ultimate plan of amassing money through extortion and seizing power for their leaders’ selfish agenda,” he added. With PNA