UCA News
Contribute

Govt official reveals quiet talks with Philippine rebels

Revelation offers hope for church leaders that stalled peace negotiations could resume soon
Govt official reveals quiet talks with Philippine rebels

Communist rebels stand in formation in an undisclosed location on the main Philippine island of Luzon in this December, 2017 photo. (Photo by Mark Saludes)

Published: January 19, 2018 06:39 AM GMT
Updated: January 19, 2018 06:45 AM GMT

Peace negotiators in the Philippines are holding informal talks to look at ways to revive stalled peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels, according to a presidential, adviser.

The revelation was welcomed by church leaders on Jan. 18.

Jesus Dureza, President Rodrigo Duterte's adviser on the peace process, said his office is continuing to look for "ways and means" to advance the peace process.

"We're doing it, but in a very unofficial and quiet way," Dureza recently said.

He said that while he followed Duterte's order to end formal talks with the communists, "the road to peace has not been totally shut."

Duterte ordered the termination of peace negotiations on Nov. 23. He accused the rebels of failing to show "sincerity and commitment to pursuing genuine and meaningful negotiations."

He said at the time that even as talks were ongoing in Europe, the rebels were engaging in "acts of violence and hostilities."

In December, Duterte declared the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army, "as designated/identified terrorist organizations."

Dureza revelation that informal talks were in progress has offered hope to church leaders.

"Even a flicker can brighten the darkest room," Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said Jan. 18. "All avenues to restore the talks should be explored," he added.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga said the government and the rebels should not give up on peace, adding that, "conflicts are solved with dialogue."

"Let us work for peace. Both parties should speak and there must be sincerity on both sides," he said.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos called on both sides, "to agree to seek a win-win situation and try to understand where each is coming from."

Duterte, however, said he would only return to the negotiating table if rebels lower their demands.

He said he wanted to talk with communist leader Jose Maria Sison, who is in exile in the Netherlands, "to come home" and talk.

"The two of us should talk privately," said the president.

For his part, Sison said he welcomed Duterte's "positive statement," adding that, "such a statement was more important" than the president's "angry words."

"In the interest of the Filipino people and for the sake and purpose of resuming the peace negotiations, I am willing to have serious conversations with President Duterte," said Sison in a statement.

The communist leader said he is willing to meet the president in a country near the Philippines, adding that he would only return home when peace negotiations resume.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said the resumption of talks with communist rebels is possible "if the environment is good and there is trust on both sides."

The Communist Party of the Philippines launched a rebellion in 1968 that has so far claimed the lives of 30,000 people, according to government estimates. 

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia