VARIOUS churches in the Philippines are again urging the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to resume the peace talks without delay. Indeed, who could stand idly by, watching the internal conflict devastate the economy and cause untold suffering to millions of the vulnerable?
The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the peace process between the GRP and the NDFP. The negotiations were supposed to resume after the successful backchannel talks toward the end of 2019.
Bringing back to the negotiating table the peace process would allow both parties to resume work on the halted Interim Peace Agreement that would pave the way for a final negotiated settlement. There were already significant advancements in the previous negotiations in the form of tentative agreements on the sections of agrarian reform and rural development and national industrialization and economic development of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socioeconomic Reforms; coordinated unilateral ceasefire; and, amnesty of political prisoners.
But peace goes beyond the silence of guns to the active presence of social justice. It is tangible and manifested through food on the table, decent jobs, and wages, clothing, shelter, education, and access to basic needs. Peace with justice thus means people living sustainably in their communities without fear or threat to their lives and livelihood.
Addressing the roots of the armed conflict through peace negotiations is leaps and bounds better than continuing brutal and blatant killings. Both sides should be wise enough to return to peace negotiations and deliver meaningful change — including socioeconomic reforms — urgently needed by our people.
Yes, they must respect previously signed bilateral agreements, including the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which will go a long way in addressing and mitigating violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The peace negotiations must resume, but there must be negotiations based on a mutual commitment to meaningfully solve the problems of hunger and landlessness, uphold human rights and national sovereignty.
We must open our hearts to build genuine peace and dare to dream of a better life and more just society for the toiling majority.
