Galvez cautions gov’t from reviving peace talks with Reds

December 28, 2019

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. exhorted the government and citizens to be cautious on having peace talks with rebel groups.

In a statement on Saturday, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) secretary said he supports the ongoing ceasefire between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

However, the former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff also urged everyone to be alert due to past instances where rebel groups allegedly took advantage of ceasefires and the peace talks to advance with their agenda.

“As peace talks were being held at the national level, attacks were being carried out by the rebels. In short, there have already been precedents. We have to be prepared and make sure that such incidents are prevented at all costs,” he added.

Galvez, instead, expressed support in the local peace engagements (LPEs) under the "Whole-of-Nation Approach," which was operationalized through Executive Order No. 70.

Under the Whole-of-Nation Approach, the root cause of rebel insurgencies, internal disturbances and threats, and armed conflicts are being addressed.

It aims to achieve lasting peace, justice, and development in areas that are heavily affected by conflicts between the government and rebel groups in Mindanao.

“The LPE approach directly addresses the needs of people and communities and prevents them from being exploited by the insurgents. The government provides basic services, livelihood, and security, among others, as a means of capacitating them,” Galvez, who is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) in Central Luzon, said.

According to him, the government's initiative resulted to the surrender of rebel group members.

Last December 26, 306 alleged CPP-NPA members yielded to the government during the party's 51st founding anniversary. Three alleged NPA members have also been reported to surrender in Surigao del Sur.

"We welcome the resumption of the peace negotiations between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF as long as it will end the armed conflict. Our collective goal is bring enduring and long-lasting peace to our country,” said Galvez.

“It should lead to the cessation of CPP-NPA ambuscades and other acts of violence, extortion activities, liquidation, and finally, in the decommissioning and normalization of NPA combatants," he added.

As to the unilateral ceasefire declared by Duterte with the Maoist group, Galvez said, "May this act of goodwill be considered by the other side as a step towards finally putting an end to the armed violence.” Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS