Malacañang on Friday welcomed the temporary release of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who are set to join the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).
“We welcome the court’s ruling to enable the Tiamson’s to participate in the peace negotiations,” Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said in a statement.
Dureza said the Tiamzon couple plays a “strategic role” in the peace negotiations scheduled on August 22 in Oslo, Norway.
“The couple occupies a strategic leadership role in the talks as high ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Phil and their participation ensures an inclusive outcome, hopefully to end conflict and bring about comprehensive and sustainable peace throughout the land, as envisioned by President (Rodrigo) Duterte and his administration,” The Palace official said.
The Tiamzon couple is among the 22 NDF consultants requested to be released by the communist group. The couple is currently detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
On Friday, Manila Regional Trial Court branch 32 granted the Tiamzon couple to post bail and participate in the peace negotiations while on trial for a multiple murder case.
READ: NDFP consultants granted temporary liberty to join Oslo talks
NDF peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni earlier warned that the resumption of the formal peace talks may be postponed if the NDF consultants were not released. RAM