Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Quintos-Deles described as “most unfortunate” the statement of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni seeking the release of imprisoned communist rebels before formal peace talks can resume.
But Deles on Saturday expressed confidence that the formal negotiations set to start this month would push through, and that the government panel would be able to manage the “non-substantive” issue and come out with a formal statement soon.
“The panel is fully aware of the developments brought about by the statements issued by Jalandoni and [NDFP panel member Fidel Agcaoili],” Deles said in a statement.
“As far as I know, there (have) not been any changes to the agreements between the government and the NDFP. Preparations for the substantive agenda are moving forward,” she added.
Jalandoni had proposed to Alex Padilla, head of the government peace panel, that the formal talks between the government and the communist rebels be postponed until the imprisoned rebels shall have been released from jail.
He suggested the postponement “until such time that the releases of NDFP consultants and Jasig [Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee]-protected [persons] are carried out in compliance with the Jasig.”
The Jasig, signed in 1995 by the government and communist peace panels, guarantees immunity from arrest to NDF members, consultants and staff who are part of the negotiating panel.
Deles, in an earlier phone interview, said the government was moving to release a number of imprisoned rebels following Jalandoni’s statement but stressed that this was not intended to meet any conditions or demands from the communist side. DJ Yap