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THE PEACE negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front should continue. War is not an option. More death and suffering will be the result of the resumption of hostilities which neither the government nor the communists can win.
Yes, a ceasefire is a must, with effective monitoring procedures and strict compliance mechanisms. A truce is beneficial to both parties to the conflict. More importantly, it is good for our people and they will welcome this. It will also prevent unexpected and untoward incidents that could further derail the peace process.
Last year, President Duterte appeared to have a solid and comprehensive vision for peace. He was willing to back it up with the strongest political will. Recent events, however, tested his strong resolve for peace and during his second State of the Nation Address he suspended the negotiations with the Left. He then ordered the military to be “unforgiving” to the communist rebels amid their attacks against government forces.
The peace talks must continue because there is an urgent need to address the roots of the armed conflict. There is need for fundamental socio-economic reforms. The point of the negotiations is to find a way for the fighting to stop by agreeing on and implementing basic reforms.
What is at stake here is the prospect of a just peace. This is bigger than the ceasefire issue which we know to be always unstable if there are no basic reforms. The best way to secure peace is to move forward with the substantive agenda of the negotiations.
Last year, we saw the sincerity of all sides to this conflict and have witnessed the intense desire for peace. There is a reservoir of good will inside all of us that we must now draw from so guns are not drawn and fired once again.
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