One step closer to peace

After several fits and starts, the peace process between the government and communist rebels appears to be finally taking off. Despite the withdrawal of an order for a unilateral ceasefire, President Duterte ordered his officials to proceed with the formal talks in Oslo, Norway with representatives of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front. The unilateral ceasefire was also restored.

Yesterday, at the end of the fiveday talks, the CPP- NDF finally matched the gesture as both sides agreed to an indefinite truce. In Davao Oriental yesterday, the CPP’s military arm the New People’s Army released two policemen to a group led by Sen. Manny Pacquiao. Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen, police station chief in Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental was captured last May 29. Police Officer 1 Michael Grande of the Banaybanay police station was captured on June 19 in Lupon town. In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, PO1 Richard Yu of the Carmen town police, who was kidnapped in early July, was also freed by the NPA.

President Duterte had demanded the release of the police officers and a stop to NPA attacks on government forces. On Aug. 19, the NDF ordered the release of the policemen as a goodwill gesture, matching the release of Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma so they could join the NDF negotiating team.

What remains to be seen is whether the ceasefire will hold. Doubts have been raised on the extent of control that exiled leaders of the CPP-NDF wield on NPA fighters. The communist movement has been riven by factions that have engaged in bloody purges in the past. The greatest threat to the life of CPP founding chairman Jose Ma. Sison in case he returns to the Philippines is reportedly posed not by government forces but by his enemies within the communist movement. CPP-NDF negotiators must show that they can stop the extortion activities of the NPA, which include the bombing of telecommunications towers, buses and offices of those who refuse to pay “revolutionary taxes.”

The President has made it clear that a coalition with the communists, whose ideology is at odds with a democratic system, is not possible. But the two sides can enjoy peaceful co-existence, cooperating on common aspirations such as social justice and a better life for the poor. In working for these aspirations, the agreement reached in Oslo is a most welcome development.