Noy yet to decide on meeting with NDF on peace talks

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has yet to decide whether or not to meet with the representatives of the National Democratic Front due to visit the country this month.

The President had assigned the panel to talk peace with the Left but he said a meeting with their representatives would have to be a subject of consultations first.

Aquino told reporters on Sunday night upon his arrival from Vietnam where he had a state visit and attended the 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and related meetings that he would first consult with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles and chief government negotiator for the NDF Alex Padilla about the visit of NDF representatives Luis Jalandoni and his wife, Connie Ledesma.

“If I don’t listen to their advice, why appoint them in the first place? I need to talk to them first,” he said.

Aquino said his administration was prioritizing government peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front because he believed it was near resolution.

“At the same time, we are ready to talk to whoever but I think it should be done in the proper manner and I should consult with the people that I believe have the necessary expertise who can advise me properly as to what is the appropriate response,” the President said.

Aquino was also non-committal on some of the concerns raised by the NDF prior to the resumption of peace talks such as the release of some detained NDF personnel.

He said that in previous talks, peace negotiators from the NDF were given safe conduct passes. 

“But the safe conduct passes were removed when the peace talks were suspended. It would be better to answer it specifically if they have specific persons. If there were really those charged before the courts because it could not be unilateral action on the part of the executive to release their persons,” the President said.

“They must pass through processes, the courts will decide whether that will be allowed or not. We are the executor of the laws,” he said.