Recognizing the “deep-rooted” social and political grievances of the armed conflict, the Marcos administration has agreed to resume peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF).
“I call upon the wholehearted support of all Filipinos as your government extends, in good faith, our nation’s goodwill to those ready to welcome and embrace our collective vision of peace, national reconciliation, and unity,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a Nov. 28 statement.
Marcos has since issued four proclamations granting amnesty to former rebels and insurgents.
Vice President Sara Duterte opposed this move and called the joint statement with the NDF as “an agreement with the devil.” Duterte served as co-vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict until she resigned on June 19.
But Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the country “cannot have a full transformation to former rebels” if amnesty was not granted.
He added that amnesty “will not only give them relief for the crimes they have committed” but also “provide them an opportunity to rebuild their lives and create a better future for themselves and their loved ones.”
Know more about Marcos’ promise on the peace process here:
