GRP-NDF Informal Talks Ready

A January 6, 2011 press release by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process

Manila  

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said that everything is set for the resumption of the peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) next week in Oslo, Norway.

In an interview over Bombo Radyo Philippines on Tuesday, Deles related that the Royal Norwegian Government, the third party facilitator for the talks since 2001, has notified them that logistical arrangements have been finalized.

“Naka-reserba na ang venue kaya wala ng pipigil dito (Venue has been reserved so nothing can stop this),” she added.

The negotiating panels of the government and the NDF, which is the political wing of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), are set to hold informal talks on February 14 to 18.

Deles also said that the clash between the NPA rebels and military forces in Matuguinao, Samar on January 4, a day after the holiday truce ended, does not affect the preparation for the negotiations.

“Wala namang kondisyon iyong ating pagpunta at pagtuloy ngprocedures (There are no preconditions to carry on the procedures),” she stated.

The peace adviser said that government security forces are always in “active but defensive mode.”

She added that the military have resumed their regular operations with the assurance that they are conscious of the peace process that has been taking place.

“Well-coordinated naman tayo sa ating mga security forces (We are well-coordinated with our security forces),” Deles said.