Peace talks’ prospects for success growing brighter

Judging by the number of NDF (National Democratic Front) consultants who were released from detention by the government, prospects have never been brighter for the success of the formal peace talks between the NDF and the Philippine government (GRP). Representatives of both parties resumed negotiations in Oslo, Norway, starting yesterday, following their exploratory talks last June 14-15. This optimistic mood is a testament to the sincerity of both parties to transcend their differences as exemplified by the recently declared ceasefire. Now they can discuss a ceasefire in a principled and sober manner as well as address the roots of the armed conflict.

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), the largest ecumenical formation of church leaders in the country, lauds both parties for their commitment to break the barriers to a just and enduring peace. We hope this will translate to a successful round of talks, especially on social and economic reforms. We pray and wish that the talks will further lead to more agreements that can be added to the previously signed agreements. We thank the Royal Norwegian Government for their continued facilitation of the peace talks.

We also commend the government and its relevant branches, as well as the independent lawyers, human rights paralegals and religious groups, for effecting the release of the NDF consultants from jail. Their efforts have guaranteed the resumption of the talks. We hope that the remaining political prisoners will be freed eventually to help the healing process in the country.

We call on the general public to fully support the GRP-NDF formal peace talks and pray for its success. Let us guard against those who will try to belittle, undermine or disrupt the peace negotiations. We must remember that the success of these negotiations will benefit not just the government and NDF but, more importantly, the Filipino people.

“And the seed whose fruit is justice and is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18).

—ARCHBISHOP ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ, DD, cochair, PEPP; Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City; REV. FR. REX RB REYES JR., cochair, PEPP, National Council of Churches in the Philippines; BISHOP DEOGRACIAS S. IÑIGUEZ JR., DD, PEPP, head of the secretariat, Ecumenical Bishops Forum; BISHOP NOEL A. PANTOJA, national director, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches; SR. MARY JOHN D. MANANZAN, OSB, OGWDC-AMRSP