By LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Negotiating Panel vigorously condemns the illegal arrest and detention of NDFP Peace Consultant ROGELIO POSADAS and demands that the Aquino government respect and comply with its obligation in accordance with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) signed by both negotiating panels and approved by their respective Principals in 1995.
Mr. Rogelio Posadas has been issued NDFP Document of Identification Number ND978313 under the assumed name Angel Jose. He has been issued a corresponding Letter of Acknowledgment signed by GRP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Silvestre H. Bello III. He is therefore covered by the safety and immunity guarantees under the JASIG.
Illegally arrested by state security forces on 09 January 2015, Rogelio Posadas is reported to be detained at the Philippine National Police jail in Cadiz City in Negros Occidental.
The NDFP demands the release of Rogelio Posadas and 14 other illegally detained NDFP Consultants. The Aquino government must respect and comply with its obligations arising from the JASIG, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), and other binding bilateral peace agreements.