Time to reflect on gov’t-NDF peace talks, too

THE PHILIPPINE Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), the largest ecumenical formation of church leaders in the country, welcomes the call of Rep. Silvestre Bello III of 1-Banat & Ahapo Partylist and other concerned lawmakers for the government to preoccupy itself with peace negotiations not only with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front but also with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. God blesses those who work for peace… (Matthew 5:9), and we laud our lawmakers who are at the same time pushing for peace.

The formal peace talks between the government and the NDF has been in an impasse since June 2011 and the PEPP has been calling for its resumption ever since. Thus, these lawmakers’ efforts to break this impasse are very welcome indeed. The PEPP reiterates its call to both the government and the NDF to return to the negotiating table to address the substantive issues that remain as the root cause of armed conflict in our country.

Following the Mamasapano debacle that has hounded the nation in recent months and considering its impacts on the peace agreements with the MILF, it’s time to also reflect on its implications on the government-NDF stalled peace process. The Mamasapano incident shows how fragile peace agreements are and the need for the people’s vigilance in ensuring that peace accords are followed to the letter by the parties involved.

The Christian world’s observance of Lent and Easter recalls the Prince of Peace’s triumph over death such that God’s love could rule over darkness and hate. Peace may seem elusive, but like Jesus’ victory over death, it can be achieved—especially if the parties to the conflict engage in principled negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict and mutually respect the agreements already reached.

Let us all work for peace, resume the government-NDF formal peace talks now!

—ARCHBISHOP ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, DD, cochair, SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES, cochair, BISHOP DEOGRACIAS S. IÑIGUEZ JR., DD, head of the secretariat, Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform, peaceplatform2007@gmail.com