Betan Peacemakers in the GRP-NDFP Peace Talks
by Randy Malayao
After years of impasse since 2011 under Nonoy Aquino's regime, the peace talks
between NDFP and GRP have formally resumed on August 22-27, 2016. The
negotiations aim to resolve the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines.
The talks have four substantive agenda: 1) respect for human rights and
international humanitarian law; 2) socio-economic reforms; 3) political and
constitutional reforms; and lastly, 4) the end of hostilities and disposition of
forces.
Incidentally there are Betans in the opposite sides of the negotiating table.
Brod Felix Randy P. Malayao Jr (UPV 89) serves as National Democratic Front of
the Philippines' consultant for political and constitutional reforms while Brod
Facundo Palafox (UP Baguio '86) advises the Government of the Republic of the
Philippines Peace Panel on national security affairs and ceasefire in the
on-going GRP-NDFP Peace Talks in Oslo, Norway.
The other Betan, a Sigma Betan Sis in the NDFP side, Sis Maria Augusta Concha
Araneta-Bocala, is a member of the Joint Monitoring Committee on the
implementation of Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International
Humanitarian Law; and NDFP consultant for socio-economic reforms.
The first two rounds of talks under Duterte presidency have been successfully
held in Oslo. The first round affirmed the past agreements that include the The
Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees
and The Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International
Humanitarian Law among other agreements forged since the time of President
Ramos. The parties also agreed on the release of political prisoners and
declaration of unilateral ceasefires that may become a bilateral ceasefire after
favourable actions on political prisoners shall have been met.
In the Second Round of Talks held this October 6-10, parties successfully
exchanged and harmonised the outlines of the Socio Economic Reforms, political
and constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces and the
joint monitoring committee.
The next round of talks has been scheduled in the 3rd week of January in a
foreign neutral venue.
Photos taken early morning before the start of Second Round of Peace Talks
in Oslo, Norway on October 6-10, 2016.
Brod Randy Malayao UPV '89 and Brod Facundo Palafox UPB '86
Sis Maria Augusta Concha Araneta-Bocala
