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 […]
4 POWs, 23 political prisoners to be released soon—NDFP, GRP
NOORDWIJK, The Netherlands—The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) held a press conference this morning (local time) to reiterate their respective commitments to expedite the release of New People’s Army (NPA) prisoners of war (POWs) on one hand and political prisoners in the other. […]
Socio-economic reforms: Forgotten part of the 4th round?
NOORDWIJK, The Netherlands—President Rodrigo Duterte’s “barest conditionalities” have put the limelight on the ceasefire agenda in the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ (NDFP) fourth round of formal talks in this seaside town. While the NDFP repeatedly tries to underscore it should be the substantive […]
The NDFP and GRP talks: defying odds, fighting spoilers
NOORDWIJK, The Netherlands—Defying odds, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiating panels pushed through with the opening ceremony of their fourth round of formal peace negotiations yesterday, April 3. Despite fears that GRP President Rodrigo Duterte’s new “barest conditionalities” may cause the talks’ […]
‘We are working hard to finish the socio-economic reform agenda’–Coni Ledesma
Long-time NDFP Negotiating Panel member Coni Ledesma said the fourth round of their peace negotiations with the Duterte government has moved forward. Ledesma said both parties are working hard to finish negotiations on socio-economic reforms to improve the lives of the Filipino people.
Panels begin formal ceasefire negotiations
NOORDWIJK, The Netherlands—The reciprocal ceasefire committees of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) negotiating panels has begun their formal negotiations on at least two proposed truce modes this morning. Said to be the most contentious issue on the approved agenda in this fourth […]
‘CASER ahead of bilateral ceasefire agreement is wise’–Fidel Agcaoili
The Left”s chief negotiator did not mince words in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the fourth round of formal NDFP-GRP peace talks. Fidel Agcaoili said he reiterates the wisdom of securing the approval of the CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms) ahead of any bilateral ceasefire agreement, unless both agreements can be signed […]
Discussions may prove difficult and exacting–Silvestre Bello III
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines’ chief negotiator said discussions in the remaining four days of the fourth round of formal talks with the NDFP may be “difficult and exacting.” Nonetheless, Silvestre Bello III said their panel will not waiver from the task of finding common ground in diversity. “As you will agree […]
‘Peace negotiations necessary to address roots of armed conflict’–Joma Sison
Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison delivered the first remark for the NDFP in the opening ceremony of the fourth round of formal peace negotiations with the GRP, calling the peace talks as necessary in addressing the roots of the armed conflict. As expected, Sison in his remarks laid down a most comprehensive blueprint in […]
‘We’re back where we belong’–Norwegian facilitator
Royal Norwegian Government Special Envoy to the Philippine Peace Process Elisabeth Slattum welcomed the GRP and NDFP panels to the negotiating table after two months of impasse. In her opening remarks, Slattum congratulated the parties and the president of the Philippines for “working through a tough crisis and for showing courage, perseverance and genuine commitment […]