No to All-Out War, Yes to Peace Negotiations

We, the undersigned Filipinos and friends of the Filipino people, strongly urge the Arroyo government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) to resume immediately, and in earnest, the interrupted peace negotiations and thus seize the opportunity to end the country's long-standing civil war.

Since 1986, the Philippine government and the NDF have been negotiating to resolve a civil war of more than 30 years. The signing of important documents, namely, The Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, and an agreement to respect international humanitarian law attests to the progress that has been made on the process. To improve the atmosphere for the resumption of formal talks, the two parties need to affirm their commitment to implement these agreements.

Even before formal talks are resumed, we appeal to both parties to strictly observe, as they have promised to do, international humanitarian law, specifically the laws governing internal conflict. This will minimize damage to life and property, prevent deaths of non-combatants, and in general "humanize" the conflict.

We strongly urge both parties to desist from methods of negotiations that are supposed to advance the process but in fact violate the spirit and letter of the agreements that have been signed. By permanently stalling formal talks and leading the talks away from the path laid down in The Hague Declaration, these methods obstruct the peace process.

We reject any interference by any foreign power that prevents or hinders the resumption of the formal peace negotiations. We particularly deplore the recent unilateral action of the U.S. government that declares the CCP and NPA to be "foreign terrorist organizations." There is still a chance for peace if the contending parties in the civil war and all the Filipino people unite to uphold the country's sovereignty and the people's right to self-determination.

Considering that peace talks between the government and the NDF have not been formally terminated, U.S. intervention in the internal affairs of the Republic constitutes a blatant violation of Philippine sovereignty, breeds more instability, and intensifies the civil strife. Moreover, the unilateral U.S. action violates accepted standards of fair play and in general undermines the rule of law. It is motivated by a strategy of re-establishing U.S. military presence in the country through bases and military structures that would secure its hold on Asia.

By its acquiescence to the U.S. action, the Arroyo government has effectively tied its own hands and limited its option to negotiate. It has allowed a foreign power to dictate who its friends and enemies should be.

We, therefore, ask the Arroyo government to withdraw, as many other countries have done, its uncritical support for the U.S. war on terror whose limits the U.S. has reserved for itself to define. Continued support for this war of terror is a course that will only plunge the country into a regime of violent conflict and lay the country vulnerable to overt foreign military intervention. The Arroyo government would have to assume responsibility if the ravages and suffering Vietnam, Nicaragua and El Salvador underwent as a result of U.S. intervention are repeated in the Philippines.

We appeal to the government and the NDF to retrace the steps towards peace as a defiant act of national unity against foreign intervention.

September 1, 2002

INITIATORS:

 

1.        Cantos, Jessica Reyes (Action for Economic Reforms)

2.        Fabros, Mercedes L. (WomanHealth-Philippines)

3.        Lumbera, Dr. Bienvenido (Prof. Emeritus, Univ. of the Philippines)

4.        Millamena, The Most Reverend Tomas A. (Obismo Maximo, Iglesia Filipina Independiente)

5.        Marcelino, Aleli B.

6.        Nemenzo, Ana Maria “Princess” R. (WomanHealth-Philippines)

7.        Po, Julie L. (Secretary General, Concerned Artists of the Philippines)

8.        Rivera, Dr. Temario C. (Prof., International Christian University, Tokyo)

9.        Santos, Aida F. (Founding member, East Asia-U.S.-Puerto Rico Women's Network Against Militarism; KALAYAAN)

10.     Simbulan, Prof. Roland (Prof., Univ. of the Philippines Manila)

11.     Soliba, The Most Reverend Ignacio (Prime Bishop, Episcopal Church in the Philippines)

 

SIGNATORIES as of Sept 20, 2002 :

 

1.        Abaya, Marilou Diaz (Film director)

2.        Abejaron, Arnold (Ateneo de Davao University)

3.        Abling, J. Roberto (Iglesia Filipina Independiente)

4.        Abueva, Dr. Jose V. (Former president, Univ. of the Philippines and Kalayaan College at Riverbanks Center)

5.        Acosta, Romeo T. (Professional Forester; Society of Filipino Foresters Inc.)

6.        Acosta, Yanna Verbo (Freelance Writer)

7.        Acuña, Rafael A. (Ateneo de Manila University)

8.        Acuna, Vincent (Ateneo de Davao University)

9.        Africa, Sonny (Bayan Muna)

10.     Agbisit, Joanne

11.     Agcaoili, Noli (Businessman)

12.     Agregado, Antoniette M.

13.     Aguila, Reuel M. (Univ. of the Philippines Dept. of Filipino and Philippine Literature)

14.     Aguilar, Dr. Delia D. (Women's Studies Program, University of Connecticut)

15.     Aiyub, Alih S. (Executive Director, SALAM Peace Foundation, Inc.)

16.     Ala, Carl Anthony (Secretary General, National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates-Youth Sector)

17.     Alano, Maris Rojo T. (Ateneo de Manila University)

18.     Alcid, Marylou L. (Asst. Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

19.     Alegre, Al (Foundation for Media Alternatives)

20.     Almario, Virgilio S. (Director, Univ. of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing)

21.     Aman, Sr. Eugene, OSB (St. Scholastica's College Manila)

22.     Amelo, Marilou (Davao Medical School Foundation)

23.     Amoyen, Napoleon D. (Assoc. Prof., Ateneo de Davao University)

24.     Angco, Antonino (People's Wellbeing Centre, Inc.)

25.     Angeles, Leah B. (Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

26.     Angeles, Leah B. (Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

27.     Anno, Ferdinand Ammang (Faculty, Union Theological Seminary)

28.     Anung, Luz (Davao Medical School Foundation)

29.     Anzures, Michelle D. (St. Scholastica's College-Westgrove Laguna)

30.     Apilado, Dr. Mariano C. (President, Union Theological Seminary)

31.     Apique, Honey Lou (Ateneo de Davao University)

32.     Aquino, Arlene P. (MDM Student of Asian Institute of Management; Military Assistant to Undersecretary for Operations, Dept. of National Defense, Camp Aguinaldo, QC)

33.     Aquino, Belma (Ateneo de Davao University)

34.     Aquino, Carlo (Ateneo de Manila University)

35.     Aquino, Rachel S. (Board Treasurer and Project Coordinator, Mediators Network for Sustainable Peace, Inc (MedNet)

36.     Arao, Prof. Danilo A. (Chairperson, Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy, University of the Philippines chapter (CONTEND-UP))

37.     Arca, Dolly L. (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

38.     Arcenal, Xerxes (Philippine Health Social Science Association)

39.     Arpon, Sr. Eliza, OSB

40.     Arquiza, Mucha-Shim Q. (Secretary General, Asian Muslim Action Network – Philippines (an affiliate of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society oranizations))

41.     Atienza, Glecy C. (Prof., College of Arts and Letters, Univ. of the Philippines)

42.     Atienza, Mercy Cres (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

43.     Atienza, Monico M. (Asst. Prof., Depto. ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Univ. of the Philippines)

44.     Ato, Charito (Urios College, Butuan City)

45.     Avila, Janet (St. Scholastica's College-Westgrove Laguna)

46.     Azariah, Victor (General Secretary, National Council of Churches-Pakistan)

47.     Bahia, Karen N. (Tuazon Community Center Foundation, Marikina)

48.     Balce, Nerissa S. (University of California-Berkeley)

49.     Balingit, Susan

50.     Balmaceda, Jose Maria (AVP for Academic Affairs, Univ. of the Philippines)

51.     Balmocena, Wilma (Urios College-Butuan City)

52.     Banal, Marjorie (Ateneo de Davao University)

53.     Baranskyy, Andriy (undergraduate student, Simon Fraser University, Canada)

54.     Barrios, Ma. Josephine (University of California, Irvine)

55.     Bartonico, Sr. Ruth, OSB (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

56.     Bautista, Angela Kristel (Ateneo de Manila University)

57.     Bautista, Dr. Germelino M., (Prof., Economics Department, Ateneo de Manila University)

58.     Bautista, Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose Banzon (Prof, University of the Philippines Diliman)

59.     Bautista, Dr. Victoria A. (Prof., Univ. of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance)

60.     Bautista, Leandro

61.     Bautista, Norma Luz, MD

62.     Baytion, Maricor (Director, Ateneo de Manila University Press)

63.     Bellen, Christine (Dept. of Filipino, Ateneo de Manila University)

64.     Beltran, Representative Crispin (Bayan Muna)

65.     Benitez, Sr. Scholartian, OSB (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

66.     Benlot, Evangeline T. (St. Scholastica's College-Westgrove Laguna)

67.     Berjomin, Desiree S. (Ateneo de Manila University)

68.     Bernas, Sr. Bernadette, OSB (High school principal, St. Scholastica's Academy, Bacolod)

69.     Bertiz, Celeste (Tuazon Community Center Foundation, Marikina)

70.     Blanco, John (University of California at San Diego)

71.     Bliss, Elaine (Senior Tutor, Department of Geography, The University of Waikato, New Zealand)

72.     Bolasco, Karina (Anvil Publishing)

73.     Bonito, Sr. Josephine, OSB (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

74.     Briones, Leonor Magtolis (Prof., Univ. of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance)

75.     Buenaflor, Cesni (Ateneo de Manila University)

76.     Bultron, Ramon (Managing Director, Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants)

77.     Burton, Erlinda (Xavier University - Cagayan de Oro City)

78.     Caagusan, Flor C. (Wedpro)

79.     Caballero, Tina (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

80.     Cabaraban, Magdalena (Xavier University)

81.     Cabarde, Romeo (Ateneo de Davao University)

82.     Cabrera, Leonila G. (St. Scholastica’s College Westgrove Laguna)

83.     Cabrera-Balleza, Ma. Victoria (Media, Information, and Communication Services Programme Manager, Isis International-Manila)

84.     Cabrieto, Raquel (Ateneo de Manila University)

85.     Cabusao, Jeffrey Arellano (Department of English, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor)

86.     Cadagat, Regina Joy (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

87.     Caguion, Patrick L. (Ateneo de Manila University)

88.     Calacat, Eugene Matthew P. (Ateneo de Manila University)

89.     Campomanes, Dr. Oscar V. (Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Literature and Philippine Languages, De La Salle University)

90.     Camporedondo, Nancy (Mindanao Land Foundation)

91.     Campos, Jones (Globe Telecommunications)

92.     Canlas, Ma. Cristina (Ateneo de Manila University)

93.     Capanas, Myrn Grace S. (Ateneo de Manila University)

94.     Capila, Nel (Ateneo de Manila University)

95.     Capili, Prof. Jose Wendell P. (Assoc. Dean, Univ. of the Philippines College of Arts and Letters)

96.     Capuno, Rex (Dept. of ECE, Ateneo de Manila University)

97.     Cardenas, Girlie (St. Scholastica's College-Westgrove Laguna Grade School Parents Association)

98.     Carino, Joanna K. (Cordillera AFONG)

99.     Carino, Vilma A. (St. Scholastica's Academy San Fernando Pampanga)

100.  Casimiro, Ma. Corazon (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

101.  Castaneda III, Juanito Q (Ateneo de Manila University)

102.  Castillo, Charlotte Kendra G. (Ateneo de Manila University)

103.  Castillo, Fatima Alvarez (Philippine Health Social Science Association)

104.  Castillo, Ma. Lyra T. del (Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

105.  Castillo, Marita (College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Univ. of the Philippines Diliman)

106.  Castillo, Nadja (Philippine Health Social Science Association)

107.  Castillo, Rodelio (Ateneo de Davao University)

108.  Castro, Earl Vincent J. (Ateneo de Manila University)

109.  Castro, Jewel C. (De la Salle University)

110.  Chan, Lourdesita (Ateneo de Davao University)

111.  Chandra, Nirmal Kumar (Prof. (retired), Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, India )

112.  Chaves, Chona (Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City)

113.  Chavez, Asuncion D. (Tuazon Community Center Foundation, Marikina)

114.  Chavez, Jenina Joy

115.  Chua, Arvin (Mindanao Land Foundation-Davao City)

116.  Chua, Charmine G. (Ateneo de Manila University)

117.  Chua, Dr. Peter (Prof., San Jose State University, CA, USA)

118.  Chua, Jonathan (Ateneo de Manila University)

119.  Chua, Onry (Ateneo de Manila University)

120.  Clamor, Dr. Vicky

121.  Claver, William F.

122.  Clemente, Edgardo N., MD (Surgeon, Capitol Medical Center)

123.  Clemente, Lisa Marie J. (Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

124.  Clemente, Rhodora J. (Businesswoman)

125.  Co, Dr. Edna A. (Assoc. Prof., National College of Public Administration and Governance University of the Philippines)

126.  Coalition Against Trafficking – Philippines and Asia Pacific

127.  Coalition Against Trafficking in Women - Philippines and Asia Pacific

128.  Coliflores, Cyril A. (Forest Management Bureau, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources)

129.  Collantes, Sr. Fe Andrea, OSB (St. Scholastica's College Manila)

130.  Concepcion, Mary Ann (St. Scholastica's Formation House)

131.  Conda, Atty. Eleanor C.

132.  Contreras, Junjun (Master of Management Student, Asian Institute of Management)

133.  Contreras-Danenberg, Mercy (Directress, Laguna BelAir School, Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Former Commissioner, Commission on Human Rights)

134.  Coroza, Mike (Ateneo de Manila University)

135.  Corpuz, Lovelyn (Ateneo de Manila University)

136.  Cortes, Fidelito C. (Berkeley, California)

137.  Cortez, Alexander C. (Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts, Univ. of the Philippines)

138.  Cosinillo, Ma. Victoria (MASAI)

139.  Cruz, Glen dela (Ateneo de Manila University)

140.  Cruz, Jayvee (Ateneo de Manila University)

141.  Cruz, Lenore P. de la (Asst. Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

142.  Cuaresma, Jocelyn (Asst. Prof., Univ. of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance)

143.  Cuenca, Faye (Ateneo de Manila University)

144.  Curabo, Cooky (Ateneo de Manila University)

145.  Daguino, Dolores (Notre Dame University-Cotabato City)

146.  Dalal, Dr. Koustuv (Head, Dept. of Economics & Statistics, Howrah Akshaya Sikshayatan, Calcutta, India)

147.  Dandan, Virginia (Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Fine Arts)

148.  Darvin, Ron (Ateneo de Manila University)

149.  Datuin, Dr. Flaudette May V. (Univ. of the Philippines Department of Art Studies)

150.  David, Luis S., SJ (Dept. of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University)

151.  Dayrit, Dr. Fabian M. (Prof., Ateneo de Manila University)

152.  Dee, Yvette Llanos (Ateneo de Manila University)

153.  Dela Rosa, Billy (Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao)

154.  Delias, Dina Marie B. (Political Science Discipline, University of the Philippines-Baguio)

155.  Delima, Kate (Ateneo de Davao University)

156.  Derecho, Lily (Davao Medical School Foundation)

157.  Devilles, Gary C. (Ateneo de Manila University)

158.  Dewitte, Dr. Harrie (Medicine for the People Belgium)

159.  Diaz, Christine (Ateneo de Davao University)

160.  Diel, Howard (Ateneo de Davao University)

161.  Dizon, Jan Denise F. (Ateneo de Manila University)

162.  Dizon, Sr. Lea, OSB (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

163.  Dizon, Sr. Mary Frances, OSB (Directress-Principal, St. Scholastica's Academy San Fernando Pampanga)

164.  Domingo, Ditas (Ateneo de Manila University)

165.  Domingo, Wilma M. (St. Scholastica’s College Westgrove Laguna)

166.  Don Mee Choi (East Asia-U.S.-Puerto Rico Women's Network Against Militarism)

167.  Dote, JP (Ateneo de Manila University)

168.  Dulay, Toti (Amnesty International Philippines)

169.  Dulfo, Melanie V. (Ateneo de Manila University)

170.  Dulnuan, Fr. Pedro, CICM (Parish Priest, Paroisses St Luc et Notre Dame de Lorette, Cameroun, Africa)

171.  Eleazar, Alma (Urios College - Butuan City)

172.  Elliott, Catherine (York Local Environmental Action Forum UK)

173.  Ello, Arun (Ateneo de Manila University)

174.  Enriquez, Boom (Coordinator, ENTABLADO Ateneo de Manila University)

175.  Enriquez, Jean (Coalition Against Trafficking in Women - Philippines and Asia Pacific)

176.  Enriquez, Maria Alodia (Client Service Representative, Ministry of Community, Family and Children's Services, Ontario, Canada)

177.  ENTABLADO (Ateneo de Manila University)

178.  Espejon, Tranquilino (Philippine Health Social Science Association)

179.  Estrellas, Br. Jun, FSC (Educator, DLSU-Dasmarinas, Cavite)

180.  Europa, Martha (Ateneo de Davao University)

181.  Fabron, Oscar P. (Assoc. Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

182.  Fabros, Atty. Corazon Valdez (Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific Region 7) 

183.  Fajardo, Sr. Ma. Rosalina, OSB (St. Scholastica's Formation House, Marikina)

184.  Felix, Bien (Ateneo de Manila University)

185.  Felix, Ester M. (Asst. Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

186.  Fernandez, Ederly (Western Mindanao State University-Zamboanga City)

187.  Fernandez, Susan

188.  Fernandez-Ilagan, Marili (Theatre desk section, Concerned Artists of the Philippines; Board member, Women Playwrights International – Philippines)

189.  Ferrer, Miriam Coronel

190.  Ferrer, Noel (Executive producer and writer, ABS-CBN)

191.  Ferrer, Oscar P. (Assoc. Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

192.  Fiag-oy, Geraldine (LAKhUN Cordillera Ancestral Development Center)

193.  Firmeza, Alvin E.

194.  Flores, Eliza T.

195.  Formoso, Alma Maria (St. Scholastica's Formation House, Marikina)

196.  Francia, Enrique (Ateneo de Manila University)

197.  Francisco, Carlota (Dept. of Filipino, Ateneo de Manila University)

198.  Francisco, Josefa “Gigi” S. (Miriam College)

199.  Francisco, Mariel N. (Teacher-writer, Center for Health and Creative Arts (CHACRA))

200.  Francisco, Sr. Miriam N., OSB (St. Scholastica's College)

201.  Gajo, Thelma A. (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

202.  Galang, E.J. C. (Ateneo de Manila University)

203.  Gamit, Lui G. (Arellano University Law School)

204.  Garcia, JJ (Ateneo de Manila University)

205.  Garcia, Marke (Ateneo de Davao Univeristy)

206.  Garcia, Myn (Communications Advisor, Philippines-Canada Local Government Support Program (LGSP))

207.  Garcia, Robert Francis (Author, To Suffer thy Comrades: How the Revolution Decimated its Own)

208.  Garduce, Joel P. (Member, Board of Directors, Philippine Science High School Alumni Association)

209.  Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute

210.  Gealogo, Francis (History Dept., Ateneo de Manila University)

211.  Gealogo-Lucerooic, Clottie (Dramatic Arts Division, Cultural Center of the Philippines)

212.  Geaologo-Lucero, Clotilde (Cultural Center of the Philippines

213.  Gimeno, Bernardina (St. Scholastica's Academy Bacolod)

214.  Gloria, Sr. Lumen, OSB

215.  Gomez, Maita

216.  Gomez, Norma (Notre Dame University - Cotabato City)

217.  Gonzales, Gerry (Vice-President, St. Scholastica's College-Westgrove Laguna Grade School Parent's Association)

218.  Gonzales, Lei (Vice-President, St. Scholastica's College-Westgrove Laguna Grade School Parent's Association)

219.  Gonzales, Nora

220.  Gonzalez, Rosario Brenda (MASAI)

221.  Guillermo, Ramon (Asst. Prof., Depto. ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Univ. of the Philippines)

222.  Guingona, Bart

223.  Guro, Lolita M. (Asst. Prof., Univ. of the Philippines College of Social Work and Community Devt.)

224.  Guzman, Arnel F. de (Managing Director, Phil-Asia Initiatives for Labor Advocacy and Capability Building (PILAC))

225.  Hagedorn, Jessica (Writer, New York City)

226.  Halili, Sr. Amada, OSB (St. Scholastica's College Manila)

227.  Heinrichs, Jeanette (University of Pittsburgh)

228.  Hementiza, Danil (Ateneo de Manila University)

229.  Hernandez, Krista Claire (Ateneo de Davao Unieristy)

230.  Hidalgo, Cristina Pantoja (Director, Univ. of the Philippines Press)

231.  Hilado, Sr. Humbeline, OSB

232.  Ho, Milabel (Western Mindanao State University-Zamboanga City)

233.  Holstun, James (Professor of English, State University of New York at Buffalo)

234.  Horn, Peter (Prof. emeritus, Honorary Research Associate, University of Cape Town)

235.  Hynes, H. Patricia (Prof. of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health)

236.  Ibana, Dr. Rainier A. (Chair, Dept. of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University)

237.  Icasiano, Jasmine A. (Lecturer, Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Univ. of the Philippines Diliman)

238.  Iguiron-Fantastico, Cecilia

239.  Ilagan, Gail (Ateneo de Davao University)

240.