The Philippine Government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) are poised to sign a bilateral ceasefire and agreement on December 10.
GPH Peace Panel and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III disclosed this in a press briefing Wednesday morning.
Bello said that the GPH was hoping that the existing unilateral ceasefire will be upgraded into bilateral ceasefire and that both parties would sign the agreement on the ceasefire hopefully this December 10 in line with the Human Rights Day.
“Mapipirmahan na sana yun sa December 10, kaya lang medyo may ‘alinlangan’ pa,” he added.
Bello explained that there is no consensus made yet on both GPH and NDF committees on the terms and conditions of the bilateral ceasefire.
He mentioned that there are several items that needed to be addressed such as the socio economic reports, political and constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces.
“Ang importante, patuloy silang nag-uusap kung magkakaroon ng consensus on defining the terms and conditions ng bilateral ceasefire,” Bello said.
It can be recalled that the GPH and NDF during the previous negotiations agreed to upgrade from an indefinite unilateral ceasefire to joint bilateral ceasefire within two months from the signing of joint statement last August 26.
Bello said that the government is eyeing to release 50 to 70 political detainees on humanitarian grounds and 5 to 7 NDF consultants soon as part of the measures for peace process.
He added that he was able to talk to Fidel Agcaoli, the chief of NDF negotiator, regarding the release of the political detainees
“I explained to him [Agcaoili] na ang pagpapalaya nila [political prisoners] needs to undergo judicial process and dadaan sa husgado,” Bello stressed, mentioning that President Duterte is also determined to release the prisoners.
Bello added that the release of the political detainees will take time, however, he was able to let Agcaoili understand that NDF’s side needs to be patient on the process of freeing their people.
Meanwhile, the third round of peace negotiations will be on January 18 to 25 next year, which will take place in Rome.
“Kaya nilipat ng Norwegian government to Rome because sobrang lamig sa Oslo by January – umaabot hanggang 30 to 40 degrees below zero ang temperature,” Bello said.
Issue on Marcos Burial not included in peace talks
The GPH chief negotiator said on Wednesday that the issue on Marcos’ burial in the Heroes Cemetery is not included in the peace talks.
Bello explained that the burial of the dictator is not as substantial as the purpose of the peace talks, which is the long lasting peace in the country.
It can be recalled that NDFP adviser Luis Jalandoni said that the burial may affect the peace talks with the rebels.
“Hindi mo maiiwasan ang sentiments kasi marami sa mga kababayan natin ang galit sa mga Marcos, daming abuso na ginawa at hindi pa humingi ng tawad,” Bello said.
He added that long lasting peace is more important in the talks and let not the personal feelings affect the peace process.
Bello also noted President Duterte’s mandate to continue the peace process and let the issue on Marcos’ burial be another political or legal issue.
