Peace talks between PHL, CPP begin with 'light moments' in Norway  

The resumption of the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) begun on a light note, with laughter and playful banter exchanged by the two panels.

NDF Panel Chair Luis Jalandoni joins the GPH Peace Panel photo op eliciting laughter from the group. pic.twitter.com/9KYsYRIIV6

— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) August 22, 2016

GMA News anchor Raffy Tima posted pictures on Twitter showing representatives from both the Philippine government and the CPP-NDF-NPA gamely posing for group photos in the talks being held in Oslo, Norway.

GPH peace panel hopes a final peace agreement will be agreed upon in 9 to 12 months. NDF a little bit more cautious. pic.twitter.com/lrSW2LhfH0

— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) August 22, 2016

The government panel gave away tote bags from Kadayawan festival in Davao City, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The bags contained each an iPad cover, an infinity loop, and a scarf.

The tokens are said to be an expression of the government panel's appreciation for their counterpart's return to the negotiation table.

Formal negotiations start for the GPH and CPP-NPA-NDF in Oslo, agenda set and discussions begin. pic.twitter.com/Wmj0TX0t8z

— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) August 23, 2016

Filipiniana dress code

At the opening ceremony, members of both panels, including the CPP peace consultants, donned the Filipino national costume, with most of them wearing Barong Tagalog.

Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said this was the panels' show of unity despite their differences.

Borge Brende, Norway's minister of foreign affairs, praised the dress code, saying it looked refreshing.

Brende said he attended the opening ceremony to show how his country values the peace talks.

Norway has been hosting the negotiations since it began some 30 years ago.

Separate meetings

The foreign minister is set to meet with the two panels separately to discuss how Norway can help in pursuing the success of the talks.

More consultants of the NDF who were granted temporary release to join the talks are expected to arrive in Norway after securing their travel documents.

Five of the 19 consultants were able to fly to Oslo for the start of the talks, including Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.

For the first time, two local officials are joining the peace talks, including Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, representing the League of Cities of the Philippines.

The mayors' presence in the talks are deemed important since they will help implement the agreement, and are knowledgeable in social and economic issues on the ground.

The panels are expected accelerate discussions, to include social, economic, political, and constitutional reforms, as well as the end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

The Philippine government is hoping to seal a deal with the CPP-NPA-NDF within a year.  — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/VVP, GMA News