Philippine government and rebels agree to peace talks
After decades of bloody conflict between the Philippine army and communist rebels, the opponents want to return to the negotiating table after a six-year break. Both sides and the mediator Norway announced that they wanted to resume peace talks with the aim of ending the armed conflict.
The conflict between the army and the New People's Army (NPA), the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has been raging for over 50 years and has claimed more than 40,000 victims.
High-ranking delegations from both sides agreed last week on a "common vision for peace" to tackle important issues, according to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. If the negotiations succeed, the rebels will end their armed struggle and transform themselves into a political movement, according to Norway. The country has been involved in the peace process in the Southeast Asian island state for around 20 years.
Formal talks last took place in 2017, but were broken off by then President Rodrigo Duterte. He left office in mid-2022 and was replaced by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The announcement comes less than a week after Marcos Jr. issued an order granting amnesty to several rebel groups, including former members of the communist movement.
According to the amnesty order, the former enemies would be acquitted of crimes committed "in pursuit of political beliefs".
- The Philippine Government and the rebels will convene at the negotiating table once again, aiming to build upon the common vision for peace agreed upon by their high-ranking delegations.
- Despite the six-year break, the Philippine Government and the communist rebels, specifically the New People's Army (NPA), are determined to return to the backdrop of negotiations with the hope of putting an end to the long-lasting conflict.
- In light of the resumed peace negotiations, the communist rebels in the Philippines may shift their focus from armed struggle to political advocacy, as per the expectations set by Norway, acting as the mediator in the process.
Source: www.ntv.de
