MikeLigalig.com

by PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Health Undersecretary Alex Padilla as the government’s chief negotiator for peace with the rebel groups.

Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Quinto-Deles said the appointment is an indication of the government resolve to resume peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

Joining Padilla in the newly-reconstituted peace panel are seasoned public servant and justice and human rights promoter lawyer Pablito Sanidad of Baguio City; Mandaya and strong advocate for the welfare and rights of indigenous peoples Ednar Gempasaw Dayanghirang, who is based in Davao; leading gender and labor rights advocate and organizer Jurgette Honduada, who is based in Zamboanga; and staunch peace and environmental advocate from the private sector Maria Lourdes Tison, who is based in Negros.

Deles said the reconstitution of the peace panel was “another major step forward” in putting an end to the protracted and tumultuous peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF in the past 24 years.

She added that the appointment of the reconstituted peace panel also signals the President's resolve in restarting the peace process that is aimed towards addressing the root causes of the armed conflict and forging a political settlement.

According to Deles, the Chief Executive directed Padilla’s team “to pursue time-bound and agenda-bound peace negotiations anchored on the principles of peace, justice and human rights.”

She expressed hope that with the new panel, the CPP-NPA-NDF will respond positively to government’s peace efforts by returning to the negotiating table with commitments towards a peaceful conclusion of the armed conflict.

She also expressed gratitude to the Norwegian Government for accepting the Philippine request for Norway to resume its role as third party facilitator.

Padilla, for his part, said new peace panel will exert all efforts to thresh out the many problems confronting the peace process. "Hopefully, during the term of President Aquino, a successful conclusion can be had," he said.

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