The Aquino regime is responsible for destroying its own credibility in peace negotiations with the NDFP by flagrantly disrespecting and violating existing agreements. As well pointed out by Rep. Silvestre Bello III, former GRP Negotiating Panel Chairman, the NDFP cannot have trust in a government that refuses to respect and comply with agreements it has signed.
The NDFP condemns GPH President Beneigno Aquino III, OPAPP Secretary Teresita Deles and GPH Negotiating Panel Chairperson Alexander Padiilla for their lack of respect for the binding peace agreements with the NDFP. In 2011, Secretary Deles and Atty. Padilla called The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, the framework agreement of the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations “a document of perpetual division”.
Are Aquino, Deles and Padilla, together with General Bautista and the Armed Forces of the Phlippines (AFP) more interested in carrying out Oplan Bayanihan with the aim of rendering the New People’s Army inconsequential? This was the aim for 2013. But it failed miserably. The aim is for militarization and the surrender of the CPP, NPA and NDFP. But that would be the peace of the cemetery, not peace based on justice, peace through addressing the roots of the armed conflict.
Peace agreements on safety and immunity of all participants of both Parties involved in the peace negotiations (JASIG) and human rights and international humanitarian law (CARHRIHL) involve solemn mutual obligations, forged meticulously by both Parties.
Any administration that wishes to engage in peace negotiations with the NDFP must respect past binding peace agreements and commit itself to respect and comply with the obligations arising from such agreements.
The agreements for peace, a just and lasting peace, must be respected. The Filipino people aspire for and demand such respect and compliance, even as they condemn the military agreements with the US that trample on national sovereignty and genuine independence of the country and people.
Luis G. Jalandoni
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
