“A united and principled support for the peace process is what we need”
In a joint statement signed in Oslo Norway last Nov. 23, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines agreed to work for a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict.
Both parties acknowledged deep-rooted socioeconomic and political grievances and agreed to come up “with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation with the aim of achieving the relevant socioeconomic and political reforms towards a just and lasting peace.”
They also stated that such framework will set the parameters for the final peace agreement to be agreed upon by both parties.
This joint statement recognized “the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and the foreign security threats facing the country” and that we “need to unite as a nation to urgently address these challenges and resolve the reasons for the armed conflict.”
The issues referred to, among others, are probably the threat of China’s belligerence in the territorial dispute with us in the West Philippine Sea and the immense challenges the global climate emergency is bringing to our country.
Indeed, the tension with China is increasing by the day this week.
We cannot be distracted by internal divisions and we must modernize our navy and air force to be able to confront the Chinese.
This is not going to war but standing against a bully.
In Dubai, an epic battle is going on between fossil fuel lobbyists and climate justice activists aligned with scientists, indigenous peoples, religious leaders, local governments, and others.
This is reflected as a battle between a few big governments like the United States aligned with oil producing countries. We also need to be united in this battle.
In this regard, the Council of Leaders for Peace Initiatives (CLPI), a collegial, multistakeholder, and diverse body of Filipino advocates of a just and lasting peace in the Philippines, which I belong to, welcomes the joint statement of the GRP and NDFP.
We believe this is a positive development, and we congratulate both parties for their clear articulation of the pathway for peace.
For sure, we agree with the statement and the framework it articulates.
This is consistent with our vision for the Philippines which is a just and lasting peace which can be achieved by addressing the roots of the armed conflict through substantive socioeconomic and political reforms that respond to systemic inequality and social injustice.
But while we are optimistic moving forward, we are also mindful there are challenges and obstacles to be overcome..
The CLPI recall statements and actions in the past that have adversely impacted previous efforts to talk peace.
We are all peace builders who must be mindful of ways that may thwart this new beginning.
We call on all sectors to take this opportunity and nurture this still fragile breakthrough.
As one who has been involved in this peace process for three decades, usually as a GRP negotiator or adviser, I have witnessed personally the spoilers that seize every opening to disrupt progress in the talks.
That included the NTF-ELAC and personalities identified with this group and those who would raise the anti-communist bogey against progressive people and ideas. We must call them out every time they do this.
The CLPI also commits to be positive and constructive in this process.
We will support the parties in the actions they will take to rebuild trust, imagine new approaches, and take the right decisions that move us nearer to peace.
More positively, we will assist in building coalitions for peace among all the sectors, including the basic sectors, the academe, the business community, faith groups, etc.
On a personal note, credit should be given to President Marcos and the government officials that rejected the failed peace policy and anti-insurgency program of the Duterte government.
It took courage for them to do this and they should be complimented.
It also took courage for the leaders of the NDFP to do this, given especially its bad experience in the way the Duterte government conducted the peace process. I salute them.
A united and principled support for the peace process is what we need.
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