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Karapatan hopes reforms will move forward as peace talks resume

Philstar.com

March 13, 2017 | 2:45pm

Karapatan hopes reforms will move forward as peace talks resume

The first batch of communist rebel leaders to be released display a hashtag during a news conference following their release on bail Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines. The communist leadership are seeking the release of more than two dozen rebel leaders whom they claim are members of the negotiating panel as a precondition prior to the Aug. 20-27 peace talks with the Government in Oslo, Norway. From left are, Renante Gamara, Tirso Alcantara, Adelberto Silva, Concha Araneta-Bocala and Alan Jasminez.

AP Photo / Bullit Marquez, file

MANILA, Philippines — Human rights group Karapatan on Monday said it hopes that proposed political reforms will move forward with the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.

"We hope that with the continuation of the formal peace talks, discussions on the substantial agenda on economic, social and political reforms will move forward, for the benefit of the majority of poor Filipinos struggling for national industrialization, genuine agrarian reform and national sovereignty," Karapatan said in a statement on Monday.

On Sunday, the peace panels of the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines released a joint statement saying they have agreed to resume formal talks after a month of hostilities.

"I am pleased to announce that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)... are now back on track," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said on Sunday.

READ: Gov’t, NDF to resume peace talks, truce

He added that the government has agreed to release detained NDF peace consultants and reinstate the immunity from arrest of 19 others.

Karapatan said, however, that the development came at a time when the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police "are intensifying fascist attacks against the people."

Karapatan, umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the People Working for People-Batangas will lead a National Peace and Humanitarian Mission in Brgy. Kaylaway, Nasugbu, Batangas after reports that least 200 residents from four sitios were "reconcentrated" even before an armed encounter between the military and the New People’s Army.

"Prior to the said armed engagement, the military have been conducting operations in the communities, threatening and forcing residents to go to Sitio Balagbag Elementary School on March 9 and restricting their movement within the said school," Karapatan said.

The group added that even after the encounter, the troops remained at the school while residents were asked to go home.

According to the initial reports of the fact-finding mission by Karapatan-Batangas, the AFP is still continuing their military operations in the area.

Stop military operations

Karapatan then reiterated their call to President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the military operations and abide by the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

The group said Quezon-based peasant organizers Christopher Redota, Jennifer Yuzon and Jose "Teteng" Yuzon have yet to surface after they were arrested in San Andres, Quezon on March 7.

Karapatan also noted that while there are positive pronouncements of the release of political prisoners, the number of those detained contiued to rise with the continuing spate of illegal arrest, noting the arrest of former Western Samar peasant organizer Lilia Bucatcat in Barangay Sto Nino, Marikina City on March 9.

"The Filipino people will continue to resist fascist attacks of the AFP and PNP under the Duterte administration," Karapatan said.

The group added that they will continue to persevere for a just and lasting peace.

Also on Monday, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto said a Lenten ceasefire may provide an opportunity to end armed conflict between the government and the NPA.

"Our people have spoken loud and clear: we need to stop this violence. I am glad that negotiators from the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) and the NDF stood firm and defied the odds to bring peace back to our land," Recto said in a statement on Monday.

He added that one lesson learned from the negotiations is that it is useless to talk peace if both sides continue to fight.

"Whether unilaterally declared or mutually agreed, the people will welcome a break from fighting," Recto said.

He added that a ceasefire during Holy Week will give both troops and rebels the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones.

"It is the right time because we don't want the solemnity of Lent broken by needless bloodletting among brothers," Recto said.

Holy Week this year begins on Palm Sunday, April 9, and ends on Easter Sunday, April 16.

Recto said that both parties might be able to focus "on substantive issues such as socio-economic and political reforms" with the ceasefire in effect.

He noted that a ceasefire will allow the government to pour more resources, manpower and materiel "into the all-out war being waged against the Abu Sayyaf."

"We support the President's effort to wave the olive branch to those willing to talk peace. But we also support his call for arms against bandits and terrorists like the Abu Sayaff," Recto said.