Gov’t, communist negotiators mull ceasefire prospects after Mindanao clash

In this Jan. 21, 2017 file photo, chief peace negotiators Fidel Agcaoili of the NDFP and Silvestre Bello III of the Philippine government shake hands after signing supplemental guidelines for the peace talks in Rome, Italy. Looking on is Elisabeth Slattum, Norwegian special envoy. (Photo by KARLO MANLUPIG/Inquirer Mindandao)

ROME – Government and communist peace negotiators are in a meeting to discuss the prospects of ceasefire.

Despite the recent clash between New People’s Army rebels and government soldiers in Makilala, North Cotabato that left a guerrilla dead, the atmosphere inside the meeting room has remained warm with the negotiators exchanging pleasantries and jokes with their counterparts.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines reportedly will submit a formal complaint to the government side so that it will be addressed through the mechanisms of the peace process.

While both parties have admitted that this is a crucial moment in the process, they have also expressed confidence that the negotiations will not collapse.

The NDFP side of the table is led by peace panel chair Fidel Agcaoili while the government is headed by panel chief and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

While debate is expected in this meeting, the parties are determined to resolve the issue to avoid the escalation of conflict on the ground.

Representatives from both parties have met in several backchannel discussions since Sunday to discuss the encounter in North Cotabato.

Meanwhile, Malacañang expressed that the peace negotiations would move forward despite the clash in North Cotabato.

The third round of talks started last January 19 and is expected to end on January 25.

Among the main agenda of this round of talks are socio-economic reforms and political and constitutional reforms.  SFM