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Philippine peace talks with communist rebels in limbo

Negotiations break down after insurgent leaders call for stepped-up attacks in wake of martial law declaration
Philippine peace talks with communist rebels in limbo

Activist call for peace at a demonstration in Manila in February when negotiations between the Philippine government and communist rebels hit a snag for the first time. (Photo by Angie de Silva)

 

Published: May 31, 2017 09:31 AM GMT
Updated: May 31, 2017 09:32 AM GMT

The prospect of peace between the Philippine government and communist insurgents is in limbo after government negotiators called off the latest round of talks this week.

The negotiations broke down after rebel leaders urged guerrillas to step up attacks after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the southern Mindanao region.

Government negotiator Jesus Dureza said the withdrawal from the latest round of talks was not a formal withdrawal from the peace process.

Until the rebel leaders ensure that it can stop its fighters from launching renewed offensives the government will not participate in the talks, he said.

"The government panel is now left without any other recourse but to announce ... that it will not proceed to participate in the scheduled fifth rounds of peace negotiations until there are clear indications that an enabling environment conducive to achieving just and sustainable peace in the land through peace negotiations across this table shall prevail," Dureza said in a statement.

The latest round of talks was set for May 27 to June 1 in Noordwijk in the Netherlands.

It was the second time negotiations aimed at ending almost five decades of conflict have hit a snag.

In February, talks were suspended after disagreements in the implementation of a rebel unilateral ceasefire and the failure of the government to release political prisoners.

Rebel spokesman Luis Jalandoni said despite the government's warning, rebel attacks will continue "to defend the people on the ground."

 

New People's Army guerrillas during the turn-over ceremony of captured government soldiers to officials and peace advocates in the hinterlands of Mindanao on April 19. (Photo by Manman Dejeto/AFP)

 

Peace groups dismayed

Peace and human rights groups in Manila expressed dismay at the stalled talks.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the news," said Bishop Ephraim Fajutagana of the Philippine Independent Church.

He said talks could have been an opportunity for both sides to look at contentious issues such as the issue on political prisoners.

Authorities arrested a bishop of the church early in May after he was discovered with a rebel peace consultant in Mindanao.

"Our bishop does not deserve in any way to be put behind bars," said Bishop Fajutagana.

The Protestant prelate called on both sides to continue the peace talks in the interest of the Filipino people "who are tired of widespread injustice and poverty."

Human rights group Karapatan said the delay in the talks would put a stop to the advancement of substantial progress already achieved in previous negotiations.

"The government decision is ironic, considering the disabling environment of continuing rights abuses in communities made worse by the martial law declaration," said Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of Karapatan.

She said attacks against persons and communities have intensified since Mindanao was placed under martial law.

Duterte declared martial in Mindanao on May 23 after gunmen claiming allegiance to the so-called Islamic State tried to occupy Marawi a city in the southern region.

The communist rebellion, which has already claimed at least 30,000 lives, started in 1968 and has become one of the longest running insurgencies in the world.

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