NDFP sees peace deal within 6-9 months of Duterte administration

By: Karlos Manlupig - 9 years ago

Communist rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili, right, gestures during a rare news conference, Thursday, June 2, 2016 in Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. Agcaoili said communist guerrillas demand an end to US military presence in the Philippines as the insurgents and the government of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte brace to resume long-stalled peace talks. Agcaoili said the guerrilla demand "is non-negotiable," adding that government and rebel negotiators were preparing to meet in Europe soon and discuss the resumption of peace negotiations, which could start as early as July. At left is negotiator Randall Echanis. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Communist rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili (right) gestures during a rare news conference on June 2 in Quezon City. At left is negotiator Randall Echanis. AP

DAVAO CITY—The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) sees the signing of a peace deal, through an accelerated framework, within six to nine months of the incoming administration.

NDFP peace panel spokesperson Fidel Agcaoili said details of the acceleration of the peace process would be discussed in the meeting between them and the appointed peace negotiators of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

The preliminary talks in Oslo next week will be attended by top NDF leaders and a government delegation led by incoming presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza and incoming government chief peace negotiator Silvestre Bello.

The framework is expected to pursue and ink a deal in six to nine months, according to Agcaoili.

The draft proposes a special track in the negotiations that will hasten the drafting and signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms or Caser.