Peace with CPP ‘does not look good’ – Deles
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles. KRISTINE SABILLO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) have so far not proceeded to the satisfaction of the Philippine government, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles admitted on Tuesday.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said that peace with the communists “does not look good,” especially with the process dragging longer than expected and having “delivered so little.”
“Certainly it does not look good – that this process, which has been going on for far longer, has delivered so little, has delivered so little in terms of milestones in the peace process and has delivered nothing in terms of improving the lives of people on the ground,” she said at a Palace press briefing.
Deles was not optimistic with the government’s relationship with the CPP, especially in comparison to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose negotiations resulted in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro to be signed on March 27.
Nevertheless, she said they are still open to the continuation of the talks with the CPP.
“Our position remains the same… We would like peace talks to resume on the basis of a clear, doable and time-bound agenda,” she said.
Deles said they are hopeful that “there will be leaders on the other side that will also come to the same conclusion.”
But the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Monday quoted CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison saying, “It would be a pity if (President) Aquino is more interested in imprisoning a few NDFP consultants and prejudicing the peace negotiations by violating existing agreements like the Jasig (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees).”
The statement came days after Benito Tiamzon, alleged chair of the CPP, and his wife, Wilma, were arrested in Cebu.
Last year, Sison claimed that Aquino allowed Deles “to obstruct and practically kill the peace negotiations,” that it was the secretary who “killed” the special track proposed by the NDF.
RELATED STORIES
Tiamzon arrest a ‘big blow’ to CPP, Malacañang ready for NPA revenge
