CPP wants to tackle human rights abuses

MANILA, Philippines –  Communist rebels want issues on the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), human rights and political prisoners tackled during preliminary talks with the government in Norway this month.

In a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said the government must comply with the JASIG, put an end to the continued detention of political prisoners and work to provide justice to all victims of human rights violations.

“The release of political prisoners, investigation of human rights abuses under the Arroyo government and the indemnification of the victims of the Marcos dictatorship are long overdue,” the CPP said.

The CPP issued the statement after the government announced the holding of preliminary talks with the Left in Oslo, Norway next week.

On Thursday, presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles said the Norwegian government, the facilitator for the talks since 2001, had notified them that logistical arrangements have been finalized.

“Venue has been reserved so nothing can stop this,” she said.

The CPP statement also came in the wake of the arrest of top rebel leader Tirso Alcantara, who is facing various criminal charges.

Alcantara, who was tagged in the killing of former communist leader Romulo Kintanar in 2003, was nabbed by security forces last Tuesday at Barangay Ibabang Iyan in Lucena City.

The CPP has demanded the immediate release of Alcantara.

Under the JASIG, staff, members, and consultants of the NDF who are part of the negotiating panel enjoy immunity from arrest.

The CPP said the government should free Alcantara before the resumption of formal talks.

Alcantara had failed to present proof that he was covered by the JASIG, according to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.  – Alexis Romero, Jaime Laude