NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NDFP And GRP Joint Statement Signals Path To Peace
Photo credit: PCO
On November 23, 2023, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) took a monumental step towards lasting peace by affirming and signing a Joint Statement. The agreement, forged through extensive discussions in the Netherlands and Norway, sets the stage for a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict that has long plagued the nation.
"Cognizant of serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and foreign security threats," the parties acknowledged the need for national unity to urgently address challenges and resolve the root causes of the armed conflict. The focus is now on transforming the CPP-NPA-NDFP through addressing deep-rooted socio-economic and political grievances.
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista (Ret.) played a crucial role in initiating the discussions, welcomed by then NDFP Chief Political Consultant Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, who passed away in 2022.
The signing ceremony, graced by RNG Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, solidified the commitment of the Royal Norwegian Government as a Third-Party Facilitator.
Representatives including Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Luis G. Jalandoni, Julieta de Lima, Coni K. Ledesma, and Gen Emmanuel T. Bautista (Ret.) signed the agreement. Both parties expressed optimism about the positive path to peace, envisioning a united nation living in peace and prosperity.
"Cognizant of serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and foreign security threats," the parties acknowledged the need for national unity to urgently address challenges and resolve the root causes of the armed conflict. The focus is now on transforming the CPP-NPA-NDFP through addressing deep-rooted socio-economic and political grievances.
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista (Ret.) played a crucial role in initiating the discussions, welcomed by then NDFP Chief Political Consultant Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, who passed away in 2022.
The signing ceremony, graced by RNG Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, solidified the commitment of the Royal Norwegian Government as a Third-Party Facilitator.
Representatives including Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr., Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Luis G. Jalandoni, Julieta de Lima, Coni K. Ledesma, and Gen Emmanuel T. Bautista (Ret.) signed the agreement. Both parties expressed optimism about the positive path to peace, envisioning a united nation living in peace and prosperity.
Nov 28, 2023
