GRP-NDFP sign agreement on interim joint ceasefire in 4th round of talks

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) signed an agreement on an interim joint ceasefire yesterday on the third day of their ongoing fourth round of formal talks.

The parties said that in signing the agreement, they are showing their goodwill and trust in the peace process, coming as it did after they cancelled their six-month old unilateral ceasefire declarations last February.

The previous reciprocal unilateral ceasefire declarations started unraveling in January during the third round of formal talks in Rome, Italy when the Philippine Army attacked a New People’s Army encampment in Makilala, North Cotabato.

The parties said the agreement on a new interim joint ceasefire would be implemented after ground rules and guidelines have been agreed upon and the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-economic Reforms is forged within the year.

Watch the entire ceremony in this video.  (Video and featured photo by Jola Diones-Mamangun)