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By APD writer Melo M. Acuna
MANILA, July 4 (APD) – The peace process initiated by Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte should move faster for it to accomplish its mission.
This was what renowned political analyst and academician Richard Javad Heydarian told the media over Tapatan sa Aristocrat’s 4th anniversary presentation earlier yesterday.
PEACE TALKS NEED TO MOVE FASTER. This was what political analyst and academician Richard Heydarian said of the ongoing peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front. He said it is imperative for both parties to agree and achieve peace before spoilers ruin the whole process.
He said President Duterte has manifested skills in handling the situation because of his association with the so-called Left, his being a native of Mindanao and being a former local executive.
“President Duterte explained his views on the Mindanao problem when he faced the influential Makati Business Club during the campaign period,” Heydarian said. He added then-candidate Mr. Duterte showed a clear understanding of what is needed to address the situation.
“If we don’t get it right in two years, the spoilers will get the upper hand,” he added. Both the Government and NDF panel members acknowledged the presence of spoilers, individuals and groups who prefer the peace talks to fail.
Despite the Government of the Philippines’ peace panel’s decision not to participate in the fifth round of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front, it was learned the government under President Duterte remains open to talk and negotiate with the NDF as manifested during the resumption of peace talks which was suspended for five years by the previous administration.
GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATOR BRAGANZA SAID TALKS WILL MOVE AT A FASTER PACE. Former Agrarian Reform Secretary and government negotiator Hernani Braganza (left) said both Government negotiating panel chief Silvestre Bello III and NDF chief negotiator Fidel V. Agcaoili agreed to increase the pace in their negotiations. Also in photo is Rey Casambre, Executive Director of Philippine Press Centre, a consultant of the National Democratic Front.
Former Secretary Hernani Braganza, a member of the government’s panel negotiating with the CPP/NPA/NDF said the Duterte Administration achieved milestones in so short a time rather than the previous governments.
Mr. Ray Casambre, Philippine Peace Center executive director agreed as he expressed optimism both sides could reach an agreement in a matter of time.
“There is a need to address the root causes of insurgency which is poverty,” Casambre said. He added the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) should be thoroughly discussed.
Secretary Braganza said the executive is just one branch in the government and should also be given the necessary support by the legislature and the judiciary if it is to accomplish its goals.
He confirmed Government Chief Negotiator Silvestre Bello III met with his counterpart from the National Democratic Front, Fidel V. Agcaoili late Sunday and agreed to fasttrack the negotiations.
Retired General Antonio Santos, Jr., a former Department of National Defense Undersecretary said the problems brought about by government neglect. He added the government has its resources to address the concerns brought about by various sectors.
Retired Army colonel and now Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Asst. Secretary Dickson Hermoso said the reconstituted Bangsamoro Transition Commussion (BTC) already submitted to President Duterte the draft of an enabling law that coverges the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
“This will pave the way to meaningfully implement all the signed agreements, fulfilling not only President Duterte’s agenda in the Philippines peace process but also ending generations of conflict,” Hermoso said reading the statement sent by Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza.
He added the Government panel dealing with the Moro National Liberation Front has been preparing for the discussion for the complete implementation of the Tripartite Agreement. It was the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation which adopted a resolution in 2006 calling for a high-level reciew that came our of the Tripartite Review Process with ther OIC, MNLF and Philippine government to evaluate the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.
On the Marawi Crisis, Col. Hermoso said there are two groups fighting government forces since May 23.
“They are the Maute composed of Maranaws and the Abu Sayyaf majority of whom are Tausugs,” Hermoso said.
Secretary Dureza, in his statement said a few nights after the Marawi crisis occurred, Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Kagi Murad Ibrahim called him and initiated humanitarian efforts to help the people of Marawi “to show MILF’s willingness to help the government.
Col. Hernoso said last Monday, May 29, President Duterte ordered the creation of a “peace corridor” where children, men and women could use in leaving the war-torn Marawi City. He added he was tasked by President Duterte to be the focal man on the ground.
It was learned both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front agreed to the creation of the peace corridor which began operations last Sunday, June 4. It was during this operation that the government recovered and rescued 179 trapped civilians.
Mr. Hermoso added since the peace corridor was implemted the government has rescied 282 non-combatants earlier trapped between fighting elements of the Philippine Government and the Maute Group.
Meanwhile, Professor Heydarian said most of the people he talked with during the recent Shangrila Dialogue in Singapore were concerned of terrorism and the movement of ISIS elements to Mindanao.
He said he has already shared his views with government executives and military commanders during the past administration but has not been given due attention.
He added local armed groups abroad such as the Boko Haram made their presence felt and has been recognized by ISIS.
“Local armed groups may form a coalition and pledge allegiance to ISIS and will be recognized by ISIS. The group will conquer significant territory and population toward the establishment of a Wilayat (calliphate),” Heydarian explained.
In its previous statements, the Philippine government thru its designated spokesmen have underscored the need for closer cooperation between and among ASEAN countries to prevent the spread of terrorists, specially those who identify themselves with ISIS.
Quite recently the foreign ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines with their military, police and anti-terrorism commanders met in Manila to forge closer cooperation and formulate a plan of action against terrorism.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
