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Bello announces early conclusion of 2nd round of talks

In this video, government chief peace negotiator Silvestre Bello III answers questions on the status of the formal peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDFP on its third day. Read more

Second round to finish early; parties approve PCR and EHDF outlines

OSLO, Norway–The second round of formal talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines will finish a day earlier with the approval of outlines of at least two of the three remaining substantive agenda in the peace negotiations. Read more

GRP-NDFP negotiations on social and economic reforms, release of political prisoners face delay

Oslo, Norway–Negotiations on social and economic reforms (SER) as well as amnesty for political prisoners faced delays prompting the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to conclude their second day of negotiations early.

The parties’ reciprocal working committees for SER adjourned by midday after failing to unify their differing draft outlines while earlier GRP-NDFP panel discussions also failed to agree on the conduct of release of more than 400 political prisoners. Read more

NDFP, GRP open 2nd round of formal talks; present separate focus

OSLO, Norway — The second round of formal talks here between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) opened at six o’clock in the evening (Oslo time) after nine hours of delay.

Punctuated by a standing ovation by both parties to long-time and recently-resigned NDFP chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni, the opening ceremony was attended by more than a hundred panel members, consultants, staff and observers.

In his opening remarks, newly-appointed NDFP negotiating panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili demanded for a general amnesty for more than 400 political prisoners as “a matter of justice and compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).”

Agcaoili maintained that the continuing detention of political prisoners violates CARHRIHL, which upholds the Hernandez political doctrine. The doctrine is a Supreme Court jurisprudence that prohibits the criminalization of political dissent. Agcaoili said political prisoners are charged with “trumped-up common crimes.”

Agcaoili recalled GRP President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer of a general amnesty to political prisoners in a meeting on May 16.

“The most effective method of release is through an amnesty proclamation as offered by President Duterte himself,” Agcaoili said.

Agcaoili explained that “the proffered amnesty proclamation pertains to political prisoners and not to a general amnesty that is mutually extended to both Parties in the final settlement of an armed conflict.”

GRP Negotiating Panel chairperson Silvestre Bello III for his part focused on the approval of a joint ceasefire, along with the exchange of draft frameworks and outlines on socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

The joint ceasefire is being awaited by the public, Bello added.

Members of the media were immediately asked to leave the conference room after the speeches but were not informed of the schedule of the usual briefing after each opening and closing ceremony of the talks.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison spoke before the panel chairpersons delivered their opening speeches.

While Dureza focused on thanking the Royal Norwegian Government, congratulating Agcaoili and introducing the House of Representatives delegation, Sison for his part also talked about the release of political prisoners.

“The release of all political prisoners, in accordance with the CARHRIHL, would also serve as a very big incentive for a stable kind of ceasefire,” Sison said.

Other substantive agenda

In a press statement, the NDFP said that social and economic reforms agenda would be discussed starting on the second day of the talks.

The parties exchanged proposed framework and outline for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (Caser) , the second agenda of the peace negotiations set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.

The NDFP said Caser’s main objectives are agrarian reform and national industrialization; advancement of the rights of exploited, oppressed, discriminated and disadvantaged sectors of society; economic sovereignty; and national patrimony and the protection of the environment. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)

GRP chairperson Bello's Opening Statement

GRP chairperson Bello’s Opening Statement

Page 1 of NDFP Chairperson Agcaoili's Opening Statement

Page 1 of NDFP Chairperson Agcaoili’s Opening Statement.

Page 2 of Agcaoili's Opening Statement.

Page 2 of Agcaoili’s Opening Statement.

 

Renante Gamara: Ang CASER at ang manggagawang Pilipino

Panoorin at pakinggan natin ang kahalagahan ng repormang sosyo-ekonomiko na pag-uusapan sa peace talks para sa mga manggagawa.

Si Renante Gamara, beteranong organisador ng mga obrero, ay isang NDFP consultant. Bitbit niya ang interes ng uring manggagawa sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Read more

NDFP Independent Cooperator: May kakampi ang mamamayang Pilipino

Panayam ng Kodao Productions kay Dr. Carol Araullo ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan hinggil sa papel ng mamamayang Pilipino sa peace talks. Read more

Youngest NDFP consultant talks about Luis Jalandoni’s contributions to the peace process

Watch and listen to NDFP Negotiating Panel’s Felix Randy Malayao, the youngest among its peace consultants, talk about recently resigned chief peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni’s most important contributions to the peace process in his more than 20 years on the negotiating table. Read more

Mentors celebrate World Teachers’ Day with huge gathering

Officials from the Department of Education-National Capital Region, along with public school teachers, gathered at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Friday, September 30, to mark World Teachers Day and National Peace Consciousness Month.

Through various speeches and performances, the teachers called for salary increases and recognition of teachers rights and welfare in the first-ever event jointly organized by the regional office of the agency and the teachers’ union.  Read more

Jalandoni resigns, Agcaoili takes over as NDFP panel chair

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) announced Fidel Agcaoili’s assumption as its new negotiating panel chairperson as long-time chief Luis Jalandoni assumes his new role as senior adviser.

Agcaoili, erstwhile panel vice chairperson, is expected to deliver NDFP’s opening statement at the start of their second round of formal peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines today. He is also the chairperson of the NDFP’s Human Rights Committee. Read more

GRP looks forward to a fruitful 2nd round

GRP peace panel member Rene Sarmiento talks about the prospects of the second round of formal negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Watch what the GRP has to say about the peace negotiations which is scheduled to start later today. Read more