OPPOSITION Sen. Chiz Escudero is calling on the government to finally sit down with communist rebels and include all major political and military stakeholders in negotiations to end the insurgencies which has crossed over to the violation of human rights and the oppression of civil liberties.
Escudero is alarmed with the rate of killings, abductions, and apprehensions that has been plaguing the Bicol region in recent weeks. On Thursday, militant groups condemned the killing of Bayan Muna spokesman Rodrigo Torres in Camarines Sur last November 10.
The media also reported that an alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and three others were arrested by government troops in the Compostela Valley.
“These deaths won’t stop unless peace is offered to the table by all the parties involved. The lull in peace talks with the National Democratic Front provides an opportunity to bring in other roups into the peace process without discarding what has been achieved so far in the talks,” he said.
Hopes were high about the resumption of the peace talks early this year. A disagreement with the demands of the NDF to release 14 of its “peace panel consultants” has caused further delay.
Presidential adviser on the Peace Process Annabelle Abaya meantime said the government is making efforts to reopen the discussions by getting a Norweigan mediator. “If at all, this is a good sign that peace is not thrown away,” the 40-year old Senator said.
However, Escudero asserted that even communities and local leaders should be included in the discussion or at least be part of the agenda.
“Let us include all stakeholders in the process so whatever is decided on has their support.We must pursue peace negotiations with the communist rebel groups within the framework of the Constitution, international humanitarian laws, and the national welfare.
He said Escudero said the next administration should review the current approach to the conflict and make the necessary changes that will ensure a successful resolution to the decades-long rebellion.
Escudero is alarmed with the rate of killings, abductions, and apprehensions that has been plaguing the Bicol region in recent weeks. On Thursday, militant groups condemned the killing of Bayan Muna spokesman Rodrigo Torres in Camarines Sur last November 10.
The media also reported that an alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and three others were arrested by government troops in the Compostela Valley.
“These deaths won’t stop unless peace is offered to the table by all the parties involved. The lull in peace talks with the National Democratic Front provides an opportunity to bring in other roups into the peace process without discarding what has been achieved so far in the talks,” he said.
Hopes were high about the resumption of the peace talks early this year. A disagreement with the demands of the NDF to release 14 of its “peace panel consultants” has caused further delay.
Presidential adviser on the Peace Process Annabelle Abaya meantime said the government is making efforts to reopen the discussions by getting a Norweigan mediator. “If at all, this is a good sign that peace is not thrown away,” the 40-year old Senator said.
However, Escudero asserted that even communities and local leaders should be included in the discussion or at least be part of the agenda.
“Let us include all stakeholders in the process so whatever is decided on has their support.We must pursue peace negotiations with the communist rebel groups within the framework of the Constitution, international humanitarian laws, and the national welfare.
He said Escudero said the next administration should review the current approach to the conflict and make the necessary changes that will ensure a successful resolution to the decades-long rebellion.
