Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Religious leaders on Wednesday urged communist rebels to declare their own ceasefire, despite President Rodrigo Duterte lifting of the government’s ceasefire after the rebel groups failed to meet the deadline of his ultimatum.
In an interview with Radyo Veritas, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said peace between the government and rebel groups could only be achieved through proper dialogue and cooperation among both parties.
“Inaantay natin ang sagot ng CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army), ano yung kanilang response sa unilateral na pag-ceasefire ng gobyerno… mag-ceasefire din sila para mas maging maayos ang kanilang dialogue,” Pabillo said.
(We are waiting for the response of CPP-NPA on the unilateral ceasefire of the government. They should declare their own ceasefire so their dialogue would be orderly.)
Incoming Diocese of Kidapawan Bishop Jose Collin Bagaforo said both parties should make a unified objective to end the conflict.
“Mas mabuti kung bilateral ceasefire para tuloy ang peace talks nila at walang gusot (It would be better if there would be a bilateral ceasefire so the peace talks would continue and there would be no problem),” Bagaforo said.
“Manifestation of goodwill on each side to settle issues that may lead to an agreement for reconciliation.. and of finally ending the war,” he said.
Bagaforo also called for a “constitutional partnership of governance” between both parties.
During his first State of the Nation Address (Sona), Duterte announced a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels.
READ: Duterte announces unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels
Last Saturday night, Duterte lifted the ceasefire after the CPP-NPA failed to meet his deadline for their own declaration.
The President issued the ultimatum to reciprocate the ceasefire after NPA members attacked government troops, killing one militiaman in Davao del Norte last week.
READ: Duterte lifts ceasefire with Reds as ultimatum lapses
Duterte has expressed interest to continue negotiations with exiled members of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Oslo, Norway, which began last June. Jaehwa Bernardo, INQUIRER.net trainee/RAM
READ: Duterte representatives meet Sison in Norway