MANILA — Formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will resume in August this year, Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the NDFP negotiating panel announced Wednesday.
The negotiations were stalled in 2004 after the Philippine government insisted on a final peace agreement that the NDFP deemed as a “surrender agreement.” Since then, the two parties have engaged in several informal talks held in Norway, including those in May and November 2008.
In a statement, Jalandoni said both parties have agreed on the implementation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig), which provides immunity from arrest to members, consultants and staff of the NDFP who are part of the negotiating panel.
Legal teams of the two panels are currently working and cooperating to ensure the implementation of the Jasig, Jalandoni said.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita confirmed the lifting on the suspension of Jasig in a media briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.
Jalandoni said both panels will come up with a joint statement that will embody the agenda and points of agreement of the panels in the formal talks. He said both panels are expected to come up with their respective drafts within the month.
The Royal Government of Norway continues to act as a third-party facilitator, making the arrangements for the preparatory meeting and formal talks to be held in Oslo next month. (Ronalyn V. Olea/bulatlat.com)
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