CPP-NPA members show support for peace talks at Mendiola

Members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Monday trooped to Mendiola in Manila to show their support for the ongoing peace talks with the government.

The march, which saw members in red and green, also marked the anniversary of the establishment of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the arm that represents the communist group at the negotiating table.

Supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People's Army hold a protest action on Mendiola Bridge in Manila on Monday, April 24, 2017, in support of the ongoing peace talks between the government and the NDFP. Danny Pata

Talks between the government and the group were halted in February upon President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement after the CPP suspended its unilateral ceasefire with the government.

Duterte has repeatedly lamented the killing of soldiers despite the existence of the ceasefire.

But negotiations went back on track, scheduled April 2 to 6, after successful backchannel talks in Utrecht.

The panels concluded the fourth round of peace negotiations at The Netherlands, following the forging of an interim joint ceasefire.

During the talks, the parties also agreed to conclude the unfinished distribution of land, with immediate focus on handing out remaining balance of lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL). —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KG, GMA 
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