Joma: Release of POWs not part of peace talks

LUCENA CITY, Philippines  – The impending release of 15 captured government forces by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Northeastern Mindanao is in no way related to the resumption of the stalled peace negotiation, exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison said in an online interview on Friday.

The peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) broke down last year as the administration cited the continued attacks by the communist guerillas against state troops despite ongoing negotiations. But the insurgents have repeatedly declared their readiness to return to the negotiation table.

“It is the consistent policy of the CPP to release them (prisoners of war or POWs) as long as there is assurance of their safe and orderly release,” Sison said

Sison said from his base in Utrecht, The Netherlands that the rebel’s “policy of leniency and good care for POWs is in accordance with the NPA Rules of Discipline, CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law) at International Humanitarian Law (Geneva Conventions).”

He said the local communist guerillas are not like the government military and police “who maltreat, torture, mutilate, murder or detain prisoners indefinitely on charges of common crimes”.

“The NPA is honorable. Which is why they win,” Sison said.

On Thursday, Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the NDF-Northeastern Mindanao Region, said the NPA was just waiting for a favorable timing for the release of the POWs, including a temporary halt in fighting.

NPA fighters captured the POWs in two separate operations late last year.  /muf