Press Statement
16 June 2012
GPH and NDFP agree to continue meaningful discussions prior to formal talks
Teams of the negotiating panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH, formerly designated as GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) met in Oslo, Norway on June 14 and 15 in an effort to pave the way for the resumption of formal talks between the panels.
The two teams issued the following joint statement:
“The Parties have agreed to continue meaningful discussions of concerns and issues raised by both sides on June 14 and 15, 2012 in Oslo, to pave the way for the resumption of the formal talks in the peace negotiations in order to resolve the armed conflict and attain a just and lasting peace.”
The team of the GRP/GPH negotiating panel consisted of the following: Alexander Padilla, chairperson; Efren Moncupa and Jurgette Honculada, panel members; Paulyn Sicam, consultant; and Maria Carla Villarta, director and secretariat head.
The team of the NDFP negotiating panel consisted of the following: Luis Jalandoni, chairperson; Fidel Agcaoili and Julieta de lima, panel members; Jose Ma. Sison, chief political consultant; and Rachel Pastores, legal consultant.
The Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) as third party facilitator was represented by Amb. Ture N.L. Lundh, Ambassador of RNG to the Philippines Knut Solem and Sverre Johan Kvale, Senior Adviser, Section for Peace and Reconciliation, Foreign Ministry.
Former Senator Wigberto Tanada attended the meeting as observer.
The NDFP team raised the following concerns and issues:
Respect for and compliance with all bilateral agreements without qualification. The bilateral agreements were signed without reservation. Elaboration or amendment to the agreements must be by mutual agreement of both Parties.
Release of all 356 political prisoners in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Hernandez political offense doctrine.
Respect for and compliance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.
Release of all 14 NDFP Consultants and JASIG-protected NDFP personnel.
Independent investigation of the extrajudicial killing of NDFP Political Consultant Sotero Llamas and the enforced disappearances of Leo Velasco, Prudencio Calubid, Rogelio Calubad and other NDFP Consultants, family and staff.
Recognition of GRP/GPH responsibility for instigating raids on NDFP office, JMS and other NDFP personnel in August 2007.
Reconstruction of Document of Identification list; use of encrypted photos as legitimate photos.
Rectification of “terrorist listing” of CPP, NPA and Prof. Jose Ma. Sison by US and other foreign governments being declared by Secretary Deles as “sovereign right” of these foreign governments (February 2004) and “welcomed” by former GRP/GPH President Gloria Arroyo and declared by her as “not intervention in internal affairs” of the Philippines (August 2002).
Indemnification of victims of human rights violations under the Marcos regime in connection with the human rights litigation in the US as provided for in the CARHRIHL.
Compliance with the above-mentioned opens the way for resumption of formal peace talks between the Negotiating Panels and the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms and meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee.
The NDFP team responded to the concerns and issues of the GRP/GPH in the following manner:
“Regarding the proposal for ceasefire and related matters, our two panels can discuss these in connection with an earlier proposal of the NDFP for a Concise Agreement for an Immediate Just Peace as well as with the later proposal for truce and alliance submitted directly to your President and considered as subject matter of the special track.
Regarding the implementation of the 1998 GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement in Support of Socioeconomic Projects or Private Development Organizations and Institutes, we are ready to engage your government in mutual support for the initiatives under the Agreement.”
For reference:
Ms Ruth de Leon
Executive Director
NDFP International Information Office
Tel. No. +31(30)2310431
Email: ndf@casema.nl <mailto:ndf@casema
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