PHL, NDF to hold second round of peace talks in Oslo October 6-10

The Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) will be holding the second round of their peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway from October 6 to 10.

The talks, to be held at Holmenfjord Hotel, were earlier scheduled from October 8 to 12. However, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Talks (OPPAP) announced the change in schedule on Saturday.

Radio dzBB on Saturday also reported that  the government peace panel will be heading to Oslo next month for the resumption of peace talks.

GPH Panel Chair Secretary Silvestre Bello III, muling bibiyahe sa Oslo, Norway sa Oktubre para makipag-usap sa NDF. | via @Benjielite

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 17, 2016

Government peace panel na makikipag-usap sa NDF, tutulak patungong Norway sa susunod na buwan para sa peace talks

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 17, 2016

The October peace talks come less than two months after the resumption of the negotiations last August 22.

GMA News anchor Raffy Tima said the government peace panel is hoping that a peace agreement could be reached within nine to 12 months from the resumption of talks. However, the NDF is reportedly "more cautious."

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

According to the OPAPP website,  over 40 rounds of talks have been conducted by five peace panels since 1986.

"The talks have been disrupted over 15 times for various reasons, but mainly on the issues of sovereignty and the release of the captured Communist Party and NPA leaders who the NDF invariably claim to be its consultants in the peace negotiations," OPAPP said. — VVP, GMA News