Razon optimistic on resumption of peace talks with MILF, CPP/NPA/NDF
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MANILA, Aug. 3 – The upcoming reopening of peace talks between the government and two rebel groups that
could end the 40-year insurgency warfare in the country – the longest running in the world – would be good for
the Filipino people, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Avelino I. Razon Jr.
“There is a very good prospect we could give to our people because it reflects our dedication, perseverance
and patience to achieve a lasting peace to our country,” Razon said at his monthly management-executive
meeting with officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Monday.
He said the government was very pleased to know that two rebel groups – the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front
(CPP/NPA/ND) have expressed their desire the resume the stalled peace negotiations.
Talks with the MILF collapsed a year ago following the aborted signing of the controversial Memorandum of
Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), while negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF bogged down in 2005 after the United
States tagged the NPA as a terrorist organization.
However, during those period, despite the intermittent fighting that erupted, particularly the non-signing of the
MOA-AD which was declared as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, the government has not stopped
back-channeling talks with the two insurgent groups to revive the peace talks.
“Our efforts have paid-off. The government panels are ready to resume talks with them so we can have peace
in our beloved Philippines,” Razon said.
Ambassador Rafael E. Seguis, head of the government peace panel that will talk with the MILF, returned from
Kuala Lumpur last week and announced that the MILF was ready resume negotiations.
The MILF panel was headed by Mohaghe Iqbal.
The MOA-AD will no longer be discussed as the two sides have agreed to focus the talks for a lasting solution
to the long-drawn Mindanao conflict.
Razon lauded this new development that would move the peace process forward.
On the other hand, peace talk with the CPP/NPA/NDF will also start soon.
Razon said a government peace panel will go to Oslo, Norway this month in preparation for the forthcoming
negotiation.
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