Incoming Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza talks to reporters on Thursday, June 10, 2016 in Davao City.
(UNTV NEWS)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Incoming Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza is optimistic that the peace process with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) under Duterte would bring positive results.
Dureza says their line of communication is always open to discuss pertinent issues with the group even before the formal talks.
Dureza specifically referred to the possible deferment of Communist Party founding chairman Joma Sison’s homecoming due to his inclusion in the U.S. terrorist list.
For now, Dureza says it is important to begin the exploratory talks with NDFP for immediate approval of a ceasefire agreement.
“Remember, we have not gotten any ceasefire agreement for all these years with CPP-NPA-NDF. They had refused even discuss it, make it agenda item in the talks before,” Dureza said.
The incoming OPAPP secretary assures that the incoming administration will be fair in dealing with other rebel groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“[it must be a] comprehensive peace. So, if you address the Bangsamoro, you also address the CPP-NPA-NDF. You address even MNLF. Remember, we still have an existing problem [with them] although we had peace agreement [in] 1996 with the MNLF.
Dureza says one of the priorities of the incoming administration now is to push the enactment of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress.
The incoming administration will likewise contemplate on the implementation of some of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“There are provisions in CAB that the panel will still have to do certain acts without going into legislation. The BBL is not yet necessary. So, we will try. We will look into how it will be implemented.” Dureza said.
(NEL MARIBOJOC/UNTV NEWS)
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