Like the MILF, MNLF, communists must deal with gov’t ‘in good faith’ — Gatchalian
Reds must deal with the Philippine government in “good faith“ peace talks and take inspiration from the example set by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said on Friday.
Gatchalian challenged the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to bring an end to the decades-old communist struggle after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
“Now is the time for the CPP-NPA-NDF to step up. The passage and signing of the BOL into law is proof that there is always a way to work out our differences and come together to achieve lasting peace,” Gatchalian said.
“Instead of fighting, let us instead work together and channel our energies into more productive pursuits. Ito na pagkakataon na matapos ang ilang dekada ng rebelyon at makamit natin ang kapayapaan sa buong bansa,” he added.
Peace talks between the government and communist rebels have been stalled several times.
“Alam kong ilang beses nang naudlot ang pag-uusap pero ang BOL na ang pruweba na posible maayos ang anumang hindi pagkakaintindihan,” Gatchalian said.
However, the senator expressed hope that with the success of BOL, the peace talks with the reds will continue and prosper. /vvp
