Time for lasting peace

This has reference to Mr. Satur Ocampo’s weekly opinion column, At Ground Level: ‘Resolving hindrances, going farther toward peace’ p. 13, dated 15 January 2011.

The Philippine Army would like to congratulate and thank him for speaking his mind and heart and raising salient points in favor of the peace talks, and that includes the compliance with JASIG (the extent and forms of protection of persons covered by it, including non-participation of those in list in violence and other activities inimical to society, etc), implementation of CARHRIHL (especially on the use of landmines), confidence-building and goodwill measure, issues of revolutionary taxation, list of NDFP holders of documents of identification (DI), and ID system, which you have generously and briefly discussed point by point.

Let us remember the intent of peace talks is for the nation to unite, to end political bickering, instability and rebellion that have stunted the country’s progress. But in order to do that, both sides should lay down their cards. He is right! Key issues must be clarified and agreed upon. And with Bayanihan or the new Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), which is in partnership with stakeholders – the national and local government agencies, non-government entities and the entire citizenry, we can address peace and security concerns.

His concluding statement, “Now is the time for genuine peace advocates to reinvigorate their efforts to push the negotiations forward. This is after all a birthing process,” also goes out to human rights advocates and child’s rights champions as well.

The Philippine Army is highly optimistic that the insurgency will end soon and that we will be able to achieve real and lasting peace and development in the country. It’s about time that we give this country a different perspective other than armed struggle. Let’s talk and walk the talk. Let’s renounce violence and armed revolution.