OPAPP: Statement of the GRP Panel Chair Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III on the NDF’s Readiness to Sign a Bilateral Ceasefire Agreement

I welcome the statement of Mr. Luis Jalandoni on the readiness of the National Democratic Front to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the government even before the release of the political prisoners.

The willingness of the NDF to sign the bilateral ceasefire agreement is indeed a welcome development as this bodes well to a positive atmosphere when we meet again for the third round of talks in January. 

A bilateral ceasefire would not only benefit the combatants but the people who are caught in the crossfire of this armed conflict. 

The GRP panel further recognizes the NDF’s efforts to work with us to attain peace. Its declaration of an indefinite unilateral ceasefire in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration in August is unprecedented and historic. Agreeing to a bilateral ceasefire is another milestone in the peace process. 

Both panels have never set preconditions since the start of the negotiations under this administration. Despite the challenges, we continue to struggle to make peace happen for the country and the Filipino people.  

Rest assured that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte remains committed to the release of a substantial number of political prisoners. The President has already shown time and again that he delivers on his word. 

Forging a bilateral ceasefire agreement is the best gift the government and the NDF can give to the Filipino people this holiday season. May this lead to the permanent end of hostilities for the new year leading to a just and lasting peace. ###

12 December 2016

Statement of the GPH Peace Panel Chair Secretary Silvestre Bello III on the recent NPA Ambush of Government troops in Davao del Norte

GPH Panel Chair Secretary Silvestre Bello III expressed sadness over the ambush yesterday of government troops by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, Davao del Norte.

“It is disheartening that the NPA failed to respect the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Duterte last Monday during the SONA. Barely two days after this ceasefire declaration, the NPA ambushed yesterday government forces killing one CAFGU member and wounding four others in Davao del Norte”.

Sec. Bello said that he confronted NDF Panel member Fidel Agcaoili on this tragic incident and he was informed that as far as he knows, the NPA is on active defense mode since July 26 as announced by Ka Oris.  He, however, promised Sec. Bello to look into the matter. The GPH Panel Chair said that government will await the results of NDF’s verification on the matter.  

Agcaoli further said that, just like PRRD, the NDFP is committed to resume the peace negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict towards a just and lasting peace as reiterated in the 15 June 2016 Oslo Joint Statement that affirms all past agreements.

“I strongly reiterate the call of President Duterte to the CPP/NPA/NDF to reciprocate government’s ceasefire declaration in order to immediately stop violence on the ground, protect our communities from conflict, and provide an enabling environment for the resumption of formal peace negotiations”. 

Sec. Bello made this appeal and stressed that as both sides continue to undertake preparations for the re-starting of formal talks on August 20-27 in Oslo, it is best that the government’s ceasefire is reciprocated unconditionally by the NDF to build trust and confidence on the peace process and more importantly bring peace in our communities for the good of the people.

29 July 2016
OPAPP

Statement of the GPH Peace Panel Chair Secretary Silvestre Bello III on the recent NPA Ambush of Government troops in Davao del Norte

GPH Panel Chair Secretary Silvestre Bello III expressed sadness over the ambush yesterday of government troops by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, Davao del Norte.

“It is disheartening that the NPA failed to respect the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Duterte last Monday during the SONA. Barely two days after this ceasefire declaration, the NPA ambushed yesterday government forces killing one CAFGU member and wounding four others in Davao del Norte”.

Sec. Bello said that he confronted NDF Panel member Fidel Agcaoili on this tragic incident and he was informed that as far as he knows, the NPA is on active defense mode since July 26 as announced by Ka Oris.  He, however, promised Sec. Bello to look into the matter. The GPH Panel Chair said that government will await the results of NDF’s verification on the matter.  

Agcaoli further said that, just like PRRD, the NDFP is committed to resume the peace negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict towards a just and lasting peace as reiterated in the 15 June 2016 Oslo Joint Statement that affirms all past agreements.

“I strongly reiterate the call of President Duterte to the CPP/NPA/NDF to reciprocate government’s ceasefire declaration in order to immediately stop violence on the ground, protect our communities from conflict, and provide an enabling environment for the resumption of formal peace negotiations”. 

Sec. Bello made this appeal and stressed that as both sides continue to undertake preparations for the re-starting of formal talks on August 20-27 in Oslo, it is best that the government’s ceasefire is reciprocated unconditionally by the NDF to build trust and confidence on the peace process and more importantly bring peace in our communities for the good of the people.

Statement of GPH on the Killing of Mayor Otaza and his son

OPAPP Press Release

October 21, 2015 | view this statement on our website

Statement of Atty. Alexander Padilla, Chair of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Negotiating Panel for the talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), on the abduction and killing of Loreto Mayor Dario Otaza and his son

We strongly condemn the killing of Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl. Mayor Otaza has been a reliable peace and development partner of the government for the welfare of his constituents, of whom 80-90% are lumads. At this point, it is important to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. We have always called for a meaningful process with the CPP/NPA/NDF that will bring the people closer to peace. Government continues to work on this table, but any violence on the ground makes the process more difficult than it is now. We urge everyone to join our call for an end to the violence against the people. ###