Talking peace

MANILA, Philippines - As a former member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), I am glad that the Peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) is being revived after at least six attempts years ago. I hope that this effort of the present administration will finally put an end to the four-decades-long insurgency in the country.

It is good that the Peace talks, interceded by Norway, is being pushed to create a series of discussions on economic and political reforms to end the hostilities that has taken many lives and stalled development specially in remote areas where there are hostilities.

It is my hope that the proceedings, said to run for eight months, will not in any way be affected by the arrest of senior communist rebel Alan Jazmines. The success and outcome of the talks will heavily rely on the full cooperation of both parties. I hope that the talks will not go down the drain again as what had happened in the past.

Peace is at hand. Let’s grab the opportunity.