Peace talks with communist rebels likely after May polls

PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. said crucial components of the peace agreement with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) were expected to be ready after the midterm elections in May next year.

“We are positive that maybe after the elections we will come up with the contents of the peace agreement,” he said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum on Wednesday.

Once the contents were approved by all parties, efforts would shift toward the finalization of annexes, leading to the completion of the comprehensive peace agreement.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr.

Galvez said he was confident that a peace pact would be accomplished during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“I don’t want to preempt the ongoing exploratory talks, but we are positive that the Marcos government can achieve the final peace agreement with the CPP-NPA-NDF. Very, very optimistic. Yes, within the term of the president — or even before the term ends. The president is very committed to finishing all agreements and implementing them during his term. That is his guidance to us, and we are inspired to fulfill this aspiration,” he added.

The peace negotiations, currently being conducted in Norway, aim to address the socioeconomic and political factors fueling the insurgency.

However, Galvez said relocating the talks to the Philippines was being considered for practical reasons, adding consultations with stakeholders and government agencies would follow the exploratory talks to ensure the agreement’s inclusivity and sustainability.

In November last year, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and NDFP Executive Council member Luis Jalandoni signed a joint communique declaring commitment to peaceful resolution of the conflict and national unity.

It was witnessed by Galvez and retired general Emmanuel Bautista, NDF interim head Julieta de Lima, NDFP negotiating panel member Coni Ledesma, Norwegian observer Kristina Lie Revheim, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.