THE RESOLUTION of at least 60 legislators in the House of Representatives calling for the resumption of the peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines is most welcome.
The continuation of the talks should pave the way for discussions and agreements on socioeconomic and political reforms that will benefit Filipinos, especially the poor majority.
Yes, there is public clamor to resume the peace talks. The government and the rebels must find the opportunity to discuss the Comprehensive Agreement of Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) to address widespread poverty and other contentious issues including free land reform and national industrialization. It would do well for both sides to focus on addressing the roots of the armed conflict instead of resorting to purely militaristic approach which only results to countless human rights and child rights violations. Violence only begets more violence. All-out war foments greater unpeace.
However, the continuation of the peace talks should also mean reaffirmation of previously signed agreements including the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and The Hague Joint Declaration. These agreements ensure that the substantive agenda in the peace negotiations, most especially the root causes of the armed conflict, are being discussed. Both parties must be reminded that a just and lasting peace can only be achieved by respecting people’s rights.
An enabling environment for the peace talks should mean there must be sincerity in upholding and implementing these agreements.
