THE PEACE process is still the best option to move forward the quest for just and lasting peace in the country. Recent setbacks including last year’s collapse of the peace talks are challenges that can be resolved through sustained, active and sincere dialogue.
Instead of hurling accusations against each other, the government and the National Democratic Front should invest more energy in maximizing the official negotiating table to settle their differences and reaffirm the primacy of the peace process.
The protracted insurgency that unraveled in 1968 has already claimed an estimated 30,000 lives. How many more lives do we have to lose before we say “enough”?
If we are to build a genuinely peaceful Philippine society through political negotiation, the parties should instead endeavor to create a more positive enabling environment to further the process.
We are sure that both panels know that principled compromises must be reached to forge ahead. This can start with an open dialogue on the fundamental roots of the conflict, and how both parties can jointly address them. Indeed trust is the starting point for open dialogue.
Negotiating parties must get over their differences through efficient and programmatic confidence building measures. We are glad to learn that ongoing low-key and back channel talks have reported positive developments. Reports have it that an announcement of a ceasefire by the respective parties and a possible amnesty of NDF members are in the offing.
A return to violence will not only hurt both parties and the end recipient of the possible resumption of armed conflict due to the absence of a formal peace process will again be the peoples and communities whom both parties vow and claim to fight for.
