Arrest of NDFP consultant could dampen talks, CPP spox says

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said the recent arrest of a National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, would not augur well for attempts to reopen the peace talks between communist rebels and the government under the administration of President Marcos.

Marco Valbuena, CPP chief information officer, demanded the release of Porfirio Tuna, an NDFP consultant during its 2016 negotiations with the government in Norway.

Tuna was arrested in Mangkilam village in Tagum on Oct. 2 although his arrest was revealed to the media only about a week later.

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“We demand that all his rights be respected, including his right to a lawyer of his own choosing, and that he be immediately released,” Valbuena said in a statement.

He said the arrest was a violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig), an earlier agreement signed by the parties which prohibits either side from committing acts of reprisal against each other’s peace negotiators and personnel.

“His arrest does not help build confidence in efforts to further peace negotiations,” Valbuena noted.

The military and rebel returnees, however, had been dismissive of the Jasig, saying the agreement had been “misused” by the NDFP to protect its members.

Concern

A group of former rebels who organized themselves into Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao expressed concern over Tuna’s arrest, as the 60-year-old rebel leader already had a history of health issues, including hypertension and elevated sugar levels.

“We recognize the importance of due process in maintaining the rule of law and call on the authorities to continue ensuring that Ka Ampong’s basic rights, including access to medical care, are fully respected during his detention,” said the group in an Oct. 8 statement.

It also asked the government to treat Tuna “fairly and compassionately, considering his age and health,” even as they urged the NDFP consultant to be open to the possibility of joining them.

“Upholding the law should always prioritize human dignity and respect detainees’ rights,” it said, addressing the government.

“As former rebels, we urge Ka Ampong to reflect carefully on his current situation, especially considering the well-being of his family. His choices at this critical juncture could have a lasting impact, not only on his own future but also on the lives of those close to him. We hope that he remains open to the possibilities offered by the government for peaceful resolution and reintegration,” the group said.

Also known as “Ka Simon Santiago,” Tuna was arrested by soldiers of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division for charges of murder, kidnapping and serious illegal detention. He was previously detained in 2015 and granted bail in 2016 to participate in peace negotiations between the government and the NDFP.

After then President Rodrigo Duterte suspended peace talks in 2017, Tuna jumped bail and stayed underground.

Maj. Ruben Gadut, public affairs chief of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said Tuna’s arrest was part of the military’s mission to dismantle the remnants of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the communist rebels.