Suspension of Formal Talks and Termination of Peace Negotiations (1998-2001)
October 27-29, 1998 – GRP delegation headed by Sen. Franklin Drilon holds informal talks with NDFP panel. The GRP delegation:
- Raises objections to and proposes to delete Art. 4 Part III and Art. 6 Part IV of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL)
- Proposes that the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) be placed under the Office of the President of the GRP
Both proposals are rejected by the NDFP as tantamount to capitulation and a violation of The Hague Joint Declaration; GRP suspends formal talks
January 14, 1999 – The European Parliament passes a resolution, congratulating the GRP and the NDFP for their success in forging the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), welcoming all the expressions and acts of good intentions of the GRP and NDFP, supporting all their common and separate efforts to apply the International Bill of Rights and International Humanitarian Law, and requesting the Commission and the Council to provide support and assistance to the Parties in the implementation of the CARHRIHL
February 1999 – The NPA captures 4 AFP/PNP officers in succession in Mindanao and Bicol: General Obillo and Maj. Montealto in Davao del Norte, P/Maj Bernal in Bicol, and Sgt. Lozada in Surigao Sur.
February 24, 1999 – GRP President Estrada declares unilateral suspension of peace negotiations and the JASIG
April 9-27, 1999 – For humanitarian consideration and act of goodwill, NDFP issues the release order of the 4 AFP/PNP officers and Sgt. Wivino Demol of the PA-Intelligence Security Group to the ICRC and the Humanitarian Mission headed by Senator Loren Legarda, Bishops Tomas Millamena and Fernando Capalla after securing GRP suspension of military and police operations in release areas
May 27, 1999 – Philippine Senate ratifies the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), granting US military forces unlimited access to and use of Philippine ports and airports in violation of the principle of national sovereignty and GRP’s own constitution
May 29, 1999 – NDFP announces its Recognition of de-facto Termination of the Peace Negotiations by the GRP
May 31, 1999 – GRP sends formal notice of termination of peace negotiations and the JASIG to the NDFP
June 11, 1999 – NDFP formally acknowledges GRP’s termination of peace negotiations
January 2000 – Upon representation of a humanitarian mission headed by Senator Loren Legarda, Bishops Tomas Millamena and Jesus Varela, NDFP agrees to issue release orders of P/Maj. Abelardo Martin and PA/Intelligence Officer Maj. Noel Buan provided GRP suspends military and police operations in the release area; NDFP issues its updated position on POWs; GRP military stages a failed rescue operation of Martin, resulting in his death and the wounding of an NPA fighter
October 2000 – January 2001 – During the campaign to oust President Estrada, Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declares that if and when she assumes the presidency, she would “reverse the all-out-war policy of the Estrada government and resume peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)”; shortly after being sworn into office, President Macapagal-Arroyo reconstitutes the GRP negotiating panels for talks with both the NDFP and MILF
