MANILA, Philippines - The military is hopeful that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) would have a change of heart following their declaration that they are not expecting a peace agreement within the term of President Aquino.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said they remain supportive of the peace process despite the doubts raised by the communist rebels.
“We are hopeful they (CPP) would be enlightened. We can see that the government is very sincere (in working for peace),” Burgos told reporters yesterday.
“We will continue to support the peace initiatives of the government... we want to settle the conflict peacefully, not through firearms,” he added.
The military, however, said it is ready to address any armed offensive that may arise from the statement of the CPP.
“The AFP is ready if they choose the violent path. We will do all means necessary to protect our citizens,” Burgos said.
He said the military will apply “focused” combat operations against armed groups that would use violence to pursue their agenda.
“Under our internal peace and security plan Bayanihan, a majority of the operations is towards nation-building. The security patrol is part of our mandate to protect our people and the state,” Burgos said.
Earlier, the CPP said it is becoming “increasingly doubtful” that a peace agreement between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the group representing the communists in the peace talks, would be reached by 2012 or any time within Aquino’s term.
“It is becoming increasingly doubtful that the GPH (government of the Philippines) will succeed in forging a peace agreement with the NDF due to its adamant refusal to comply with its standing obligations,” CPP said in a statement.
The CPP cited the refusal of the government to free the supposed peace consultants covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
Under the JASIG, communists who are working as peace consultants enjoy immunity from arrest.
CPP claimed there are at least 13 NDF consultants who are still being detained in military and police camps.
“How can the GPH expect the NDF to sit down in peace negotiations when a significant number of its representatives who are supposed to participate in the talks are being kept behind bars by the GPH?” CPP said.
CPP claimed the refusal of the government to free the alleged consultants reflect its “myopic” view of the peace negotiations.
“Aquino is demonstrating clearly that he does not understand what just and lasting peace is,” CPP said.
Government negotiators, however, said the JASIG has been widely abused by the communist rebels.
Government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla noted the rebels wanted several more of their comrades freed after authorities released five of them in recent months.
“How are we going to release the others that they were claiming to be covered by JASIG, then upon their release they will just go underground again?” Padilla asked during a press briefing Wednesday.
The government and the NDF panels are expected to resume negotiations this month. -Philippine Star
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