Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said they are appalled by some sectors attacking them on the delay of the release of political prisoners in the country.
President Rodrigo Duterte guaranteed to Communist leaders that he will pursue an independent foreign policy and will revoke the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States.
Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III vowed to release some 50-70 political prisoners before the international human rights day on December 10, as he extended his condolences to the family of Bernabe Ocasla, one of the 400 political prisoners who recently died of a heart attack.
Women leaders from various provinces in Mindanao are here to train on how to build “peace tables” in a bid to ensure the women’s voice is included in the peace process.
Despite the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress early this year, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal said they still trust the lawmakers. But he appealed to Congress not to fail the Bangsamoro people and called on government officials to fast track the BBL.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the government asked Moro National Liberation Front founder Prof. Nur Misuari to “organize a five-person panel”.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza said three of the 10 slots for the government in the new Bangsamoro Transition Commission will be given to the faction of the Moro National Liberation Front led by former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema.
Peace negotiators from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines said they are “uneasy” and “impatient” over the “excruciating” delay in the release of political prisoners in the country.
An adviser on the peace process said the signing of the joint statement between the government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front last Sunday is just a step towards more challenging discussions.
Peace panel negotiators from both government and the communists concluded its second round of talks with common frameworks and outlines on social, economic and political reforms and a commitment to grant amnesty to more than 400 political detainees.
