In this file photo taken last August 18, 2016, Ariel Arbitrario (left) says they are hopeful that the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF will be successful. Beside him is Eduardo Genelsa, also a political prisoner. They attended the peace talks in Oslo, Norway on August 22. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines —- The National Democratic Front of the Philippines is calling for the immediate release of its peace consultant accosted in Toril here on Monday morning.
In a statement, NDFP peace panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili said Ariel Arbitrario’s detention together with his companion undermines the peace negotiations.
He said Arbitrario is a publicly-known consultant in the peace talks.
“He is the holder of NDFP Document of Identification Number PP 978542 dated 22 August 2016 that has been duly acknowledged by GRP Chairperson Silvestre H. Bello III on 16 September 2016,” said Agcaoili.
“We call on the GRP to effect the immediate release of Arbitrario and his companions from detention and to prevent similar arrests that will only serve to undermine the peace negotiations,” he added.
Arbitrario was flagged down in a checkpoint by the Task Force Davao around 9 am Monday.
Army commander Brig. General Gilbert Gapay of the Task Force Haribon, an anti-terror component of the Eastern Mindanao Command said Arbitrario’s companion, Roderick Mamuyac has a standing warrant for murder.
However, the NDFP decried the detention of Arbitrario whose release last August is secured by bail.
Arbitrario’s release order was granted by the court on August 18. He joined the resumption of the formal talks in Oslo, Norway on August 22.
Agcaoili said even in accordance with the government’s laws and processes, “Arbitrario´s arrest is in contravention of GRP’s own rules of procedures as he is claimed to be under the jurisdiction of GRP courts.”
The NDFP said Arbitrario is covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and is immune from arrest in the performance of his duties and responsibilities in the peace negotiations.
“Under the Agreement, the companions of Arbitrario when he was arrested are also covered by the protection of the JASIG,” Agcaoili added.
Agcaoili said the peace negotiations are still ongoing and can only be terminated 30 days after the NDFP’s receipt of a written notice from the GRP peace panel.
“In the meanwhile, all agreements that have been reaffirmed and signed between the two Parties remain in full force and effect, including the JASIG, the CARHRIHL and the Joint Statements signed in Oslo and Rome in August 2016, October 2016, and January 2017 respectively,” he said. (davaotoday.com)
