The refusal of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army (CPP/NPA) to resume the peace talks with the government may only be a bluff. In the past, they expressed their willingness to do so, but on condition that CPP members who were also peace consultants be released, even those with criminal cases pending in court.
We go with the government’s decision to keep the door to the peace negotiation table open. It is a fact that most of CPP/NPA members are already getting old, tired and they want to reunite with their families. Some of their top leaders may even be already suffering from various chronic illnesses, which worsen faster in “underground” conditions.
The first month of the year is a good time to exhaust all means, lay out plans, institute measures and open up to possibilities so that the violence and terror of the past years will finally come to an end. A hand of friendship touching a cold and uncaring heart is always possible.
—ROBERTO UNTALAN JR.,
untalanjr.roberto871@yahoo.com