AFP welcomes Tiamzons’ release, reiterates support for peace efforts

The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed the release of top communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon on Friday.

“Time and again, the AFP has been supportive of all peace efforts and covenants that will afford our people the opportunity to enjoy secured, prosperous, and peaceful lives — free from threat, fear and want,” AFP public affairs chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

READ: Tiamzons released from detention

Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, the chairman and secretary general of the Communist Party of the Philippines respectively, were arrested in 2014 in Cebu.

Their release before noon Friday at Camp Crame comes ahead of the peace talks in Oslo, Norway starting August 20. The Tiamzons will join the peace negotiations.

A Manila regional court earlier ordered the temporary release of the couple with a bail of P100,000.

The talks aim to end almost five decades of conflict that has cost the lives of 40,000 people.

“The release of spouses Tiamzon was with leave of court and for the purpose of attending and participating in the formal peace negotiations in Oslo in August 2016,” Arevalo said.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines submit to the wise discretion of the Court and support the magnanimous gesture of the President all in the quest for peace,” he added. CDG

READ: Palace welcomes Tiamzon couple’s temporary liberty for Oslo talks