2 bishops in Visayas lament collapse of peace talks with communists

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said on Wednesday he was saddened by the collapse of the peace talks between the government and the communists.

“Personally, I wish there was more sincerity from both sides,” he said. “For any talks to proceed and be successful and productive, they should be based on sincerity and truth.”

San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said a dialog would have been the best path to peace, as the negotiating  panel had recommended going into the root causes of the “unpeace.”

“But on one hand, we cannot blame government, because on one hand, the CPP hierarchy will say something, but at the bottom something else happens,” he added.

Alminaza pointed out that ambushes happened during the ceasefire, creating an atmosphere of betrayal.

“We can understand that, yet in the family experience you never give up on each other, you continue dialog,” he said. “Once you resort to violence and armed solutions, the effect will not be lasting.”

Maj. Gen Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said the aim of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was to establish their own government.

“The talks will not succeed anyway,” he said. “They cannot control their forces. Some want peace and the others don’t.” /atm