Peace talks resume between Philippines gov't, maoists

By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines

A second round of peace talks between the Philippines government and the country's communist rebels has formally resumed in Norway.

The two sides declared indefinite unilateral ceasefires in first round talks in Oslo in September as part of President Rodrigo Duterte's efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost 50 years and killed around 40,000 people.

In a statement emailed to Anadolu Agency on Friday night, government peace negotiator Silvestre Bello expressed confidence that the steadfastness of both parties in resuming the talks -- which began in Oslo on Thursday -- would continue to animate the task ahead.

Bello, presidential adviser on the process Jesus Dureza, and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), are tasked with harmonizing the exchange of draft frameworks and outlines of respective working committees, and agreeing on a common draft agreement for a joint ceasefire.

"The significant impact of the indefinite ceasefire declared by the parties cannot be overemphasized, including the confidence of our peace constituency on the peace process," Bello said.

He noted that the ceasefire is holding to this day, with no major violations reported by either party.

"This is an unparalleled achievement of the table, which should inspire us to advance the negotiations," he underlined.

He added that both parties should recognize the need to complete negotiations in the next 12 months, as this will provide ample time for Duterte's administration to efficiently implement agreements reached.

"We trust the NDF will still be with us in the implementation of these agreements," Bello stressed.

Fidel Agcaoili, the new chairman of the NDF panel, has called on Duterte to make good on his earlier offer to declare amnesty for more than 400 communist party-affiliated prisoners.

The second round will also see the rebels and government peace panels discussing social and economic reforms, the second of the four "substantive agendas" of the negotiations.

Peace talks between the two have been on and off for around 30 years, with over 40 rounds of formal and informal talks taking place.

Past negotiations, however, have been scuttled due to hard line demands from either side.

In July, Duterte ordered the release of 22 detained NDF consultants, 16 of whom later joined the initial Aug. 22-28 Oslo talks, to fulfill a campaign promise and jumpstart negotiations.

He also declared a unilateral ceasefire, only to later lift it after communist rebels ambushed an army patrol, and then reinstate it on the eve of the Oslo talks, which the NDF reciprocated with an indefinite and unilateral ceasefire of its own.

The CPP, NDF and New People’s Army -- the armed wing of the CPP -- have waged one of the longest insurgencies in Asia in an effort for agrarian reform, national industrialization and an independent foreign policy.