CPP-NDF calls for resumption of peace talks

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Wednesday called for the resumption of peace talks with the government. 

"Without a doubt, there is [an] urgent need to resume peace negotiations between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)," said CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena in a press release. 

“Peace negotiations are not just about ending the armed conflict. They are, more importantly, about resolving the problems that give rise to the civil war,” added Valbuena.

The CPP added that "the party and revolutionary forces welcome the possibility of resuming peace negotiations in order to serve as an additional platform for the people to assert their aspirations for social justice and genuine democracy."

"At this point, the prospect of the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations moving forward depends greatly on how strong the Filipino people can raise their voices and collectively push the Marcos government to heed the long-standing clamor for genuine land reform and national industrialization and the demand for an end to the abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law,” Valbuena said. 

"The NDFP maintains a policy of keeping its doors open to any offer from the GRP to talk peace in accordance with mutually acceptable principles of national sovereignty, democracy and social justice," he added.

The Philippine government and the NDF have agreed to resume the stalled peace negotiations after their representatives signed a joint statement for "a principled and peaceful resolution to the armed conflict" in November 2023. 

On Monday, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. made a commitment that he would enforce all signed peace agreements with various rebel groups across the country.

''In the spirit of convergence, I urge you to continue working with all stakeholders in the region towards accountable, transparent, and people-centered in governance in the region,'' Marcos said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News