Peace in the Philippines?

DIPLOMACY

Philippines, Maoists reach accord following Norway talks

The Philippine government and Communist guerrillas have agreed to an indefinite ceasefire as talks continue for a final peace deal. The two sides were in Oslo negotiating a truce in the five-decade conflict.

The Philippine government and Maoist insurgents inked an indefinite ceasefire deal Friday to facilitate peace talks aimed at ending one of Asia's longest-running guerilla conflicts.

"This is a historic and unprecedented event ... (but) there is still a lot of work to be done ahead," Manila' peace adviser, Jesus Dureza, said at a signing ceremony in Norway, which is mediating the talks aimed at ending a conflcit that's claimed more than 30,000 live since the late 1960s.

The two sides are slated to meet again in Oslo on October 8-12.

Oslo as interlocutor

Norway has acted as a facilitator for the peace process since 2001. Talks have been held on and off since 1986 to end the conflict.

Recently elected President Rodrigo Duterte says he wants to end guerrilla wars with both communist and Muslim rebels that have been hampering economic development.

The Communist's 3,000-strong New People's Army operates mainly in the east and south of the Philippines. At it peak in the 1980s, it commanded an army of 26,000 fighters during the 20-year dictatorship of the late Ferdinand Marcos.

The Communist guerillas have historically drawn support from those dissatisfied with economic inequality, especially in the countryside, and the Philippines' close alliance with the United States.

jar/rg (AFP, Reuters)

Why Is The Search For Peace So Difficult?

How can peace be elusive as its is seemingly now when all you hear these days are clarion calls for stable peace down to dawn in Mindanao? Towards the end of Ramadan there pervades an aura of reconciliatory vibes and forgiveness. The yearning for peace is felt from east to west and from north to south. Despite all these we ask in desperation, "Why is the search of peace such a difficult task?"

If a cease fire agreement can be sustained, then why cannot a permanent truce be attained? What does it take for protagonists to yield to the deafening call of the overwhelming majority for the forces to lay down heir arms and silenced these forever? There is so much land to share, so much resources to develop, the seas are so rich with a cornucopia of marine wealth. But the opportunity to make these resources productive is lost in the futile struggle for an independent state that stirs apprehension among those who abhors it. That is why the partnerships and joint ventures among Filipinino Muslims, Lumads and Christians is so extremely difficult to attain because that struggle comes in the way to reconciliation, trust, unity and peace.

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When can we talk and talk and laugh and share our sorrows and joys without (?) having to ask what our religious faiths are, our ranks and station in life like children who harbor no hatred but only genuine friendship and love?

With friendly permission from my publisher of Mindanao Daily Mirror, Marietta Siongco, posted again on this website.

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Now is the Time for PEACE!

(PNA) - Saying the Filipino is weary of all the fighting, discord, and senseless armed combat characteristic of the growing gap between the government and members of the rebel groups, President Benigo Aquino called on all the stakeholders and concerned citizens to rally behind his administration and support  the resumption of peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The President made the call during the "Ilaw ng Kapayapaan" (Light of Peace) candle lighting ceremonies held at Quezon Memorial Circle last Tuesday night. 

Peace: - calm, repose, freedom from disturbance, war or hostilities as well as tumult and commotion. 

A German sayings goes like this: "Ein Friede ist besser als 10 Siege!" One peace is better then ten victories.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God!" (Matthew 5:9).

Also as an expat living in the Philippines and knowing the Philippines, especially Mindanao since the early 1980s, I wish us peace. In Mindanao, in the Philippines, and of course, in the whole world!