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 […]
‘Sharing common values and common aspirations’–Jesus Dureza
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the fourth round of formal talks between the GRP and the NDFP is the farthest the negotiations have ever been. In his opening remarks, Dureza said he has noticed both parties “are no longer in the concept of negotiating but already sharing common values and common […]
‘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 […]
Duterte call delays peace talks opening
NOORDWIJK, The Netherlands—Even before it started, the fourth round of formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is proving to be “difficult and exacting.” The GRP and NDFP negotiating panels announced the opening ceremony of their fourth round of formal talks is […]
Talks opening to be delayed by a few hours
NOORDWIJK, The Netherlands—The opening ceremony of the fourth round of formal negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will be delayed by at least several hours. In a chance interview, NDFP Negotiating Panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili said the parties have yet to […]