Government implements peace agreement with RPA-ABB

BACOLOD CITY — President Arroyo has ordered the implementation of the peace agreement which the government forged with the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade on Dec. 6, 2000.

The President, in Executive Order No. 117 dated last Aug. 20, activated the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee tasked to oversee and monitor the implementation of the peace pact.

Representing the government in the panel are National Anti-Poverty Commission convenor Teresita Quintos-Deles and National Security Council deputy director Gen. Victor Mayor.

Veronica Tabara and RPA-ABB national commander Carapali Lualhati will represent the rebel group.

Bishop Emeritus Hilario Gomez Jr. of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, considered mutually acceptable to both parties and to the President, will be the fifth member.

The committee will draw up the guidelines for carrying out the peace accord and ensuring full compliance with its provisions.

The office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Eduardo Ermita will provide administrative and technical support to the committee.

According to Lualhati, the agreement stipulates the allocation of P500 million for socio-economic development projects nationwide, the dropping of all charges against officers of the RPMP/RPA-ABB, the release of 35 political prisoners in the priority list, and the issuance of special permits for 100 members of the group to carry firearms.

EO 117 also provides a P10-million reintegration fund to implement programs and projects for political offenders or prisoners who will be freed under the peace pact.

Some P7.5 million from the President’s contingency fund will also be released to cover the operational expenses of the monitoring committee. — Antonieta Lopez