Sison lauds Duterte for reopening talks of PH gov’t, communist rebels

In this Jan. 25, 2017 file photo, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza (right), Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (second from right) , shake hands with Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison (left) and Fidel Agcaoili (center) of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines after they sign an agreement in Rome, Italy, that would be the basis for future talks on socio-economic reforms. (Photo release from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process)

DAVAO CITY — Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison expressed his appreciation for President Duterte’s decision to again open the formal negotiations with the revolutionary movement.

Sison, the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, said it has always been “in the people’s interest for the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) and the NDFP to pursue the forging of a peace agreement.”

Sison added that the peace process has been aimed at resolving the root causes of the conflict, which would involve crucial reforms in the country’s system.

“The peace agreement should uphold the sovereignty and independence of the Filipino people, strengthen democracy for the exploited and oppressed people, create the conditions for economic development through land reform, national industrialization and expansion of social services and benefits, promotion of patriotic and scientific culture and peace and development in a multipolar world,” he said.

Unlike in the past administrations, Sison expressed confidence these reforms could be achieved in the present government.

“The foundations for these can be achieved within the current term of President Rodrigo Duterte,” Sison said.

President Duterte earlier withdrew the government’s indefinite unilateral ceasefire and unilaterally cancelled the negotiations following the announcement of the New People’s Army to end its own ceasefire effective February 10.

Numerous armed hostilities have been reported since then, leaving many combatants from both sides either dead or wounded.  SFM

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