AFP assures safety of NDF panel

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — The Armed Forces gave assurances yesterday that it will provide security to members of the Netherlands-based National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panel who will arrive in the country next month to meet with their government counterparts.

In an interview, Armed Forces Civil Relations Service chief Brig. Gen. Jaime Canatoy said it is the responsibility of the government to secure the NDF peace panel members while they are in the country.

Of course, we know that the government will be blamed if anything happens to them," Canatoy said.

He, however, said NDF negotiators would not be allowed to bring firearms or their own bodyguards.

Canatoy said even military personnel are not allowed to carry firearms without permits from the Commission on Elections.

Expected to arrive next month are NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni, his wife, Connie Ledesma and Fidel Agcaoili as members.

Other NDF members are also arriving before the formal resumption of peace negotiations start on April 27.

The government panel is headed by former Solicitor General Silvestre Bello III, who arrived last week from the Netherlands to lay the groundwork for the resumption of the talks.

Among the matters to be taken up during the preparatory meetings are the venue of peace talks and mechanics of the negotiations. — Romel Bagares