Statement of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza on the NPA’s recent activities

 We are distressed and extremely disturbed by the recent series of attacks and harassments by alleged New People’s Army (NPA) elements in various areas nationwide.

The unilateral ceasefire was precisely set in place to provide an enabling environment for the ongoing peace talks and also to secure the support of the stakeholders and the bigger public in understanding and supporting these unprecedented, although small but significant steps, for sustainable peace in the land.

We do not wish to unnecessarily squander those gains that even saw President Duterte exercising strong political will to move the peace process forward.

Either some in the National Democratic Front (NDF) leadership talking to the government are not in full control of their own forces on the ground, or they are themselves undermining these efforts for sustainable peace, or pressuring government for certain concessions.

The president will definitely walk the extra mile for peace. But our counterparts on the other side of the peace table must also reciprocate accordingly and do the same. 

The road to peace is not smooth and easy. Let us all help to successfully traverse it. ###

The Statement of Secretary Jess Dureza on the Releases of CPP/NPA/NDF Prisoners

Earnest efforts have been ongoing on the releases of prisoners. But necessary legal processes take a while as cases are within the jurisdiction of the judiciary, an independent & co-equal branch.

We understand their angst and impatience but we are all forgetting that these efforts were never possible nor even imaginable in the previous times. It is only in the Duterte administration that these releases are all happening.

We are appalled why some sectors are now even publicly attacking government for "not delivering enough" and for the perceived delay. Those mass actions and media attacks serve as good reminders for us in government that we need to do more. But putting undue public pressure on the government which has already taken unprecedented steps may not yield their intended results.

President Duterte has exercised bold political will to quickly resuscitate the peace process from where it was. And he does so also mindful that there is a need to balance things taking into account the processes that must be observed and the whole citizenry that he must also engage and serve.

As the President always says and does, this administration will walk the extra mile for peace. Yes, let's all be in a hurry but let's all keep the pace and be in step with him so we don't stumble.

JESS DUREZA

Secretary 

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

6 December 2016