Peace talks must roll

The administration is doing what is best for peace in our country by choosing to open the doors for peace talks again, and that maybe this time something truly concrete will come out of the talks. It has always been the policy of our government to talk of peace rather than go on with hostilities towards the CPP-NPA-NDF. War is costly not only in equipment, but moreso on lives, both of soldiers and the adversaries. War will also cause the continued displacement of people affected and the lagging behind of our economy.

We recall that peace negotiations stalled in February between the government and the National Democratic Front. But what is positive news is that NDF Chief Negotiator Luis Jalandoni said that there will be scheduled talks between both parties to be held in the coming days in The Netherlands. This is again a new and good beginning.

The on and off talks between the government and the NDF must go beyond preliminary talks and initial agreements. Both panels must work for a whole body to work on and agree upon, or else, the cycle of disagreement will only be repeated. “Sayang ang panahon.” The Bangsamoro has left a legacy for peace, so why not the CPP-NPA-NDF? — Veron Avendaño, Mahogany, Antipolo City