New peace panels told to review past deals

Manila, Philippines - President Aquino has tasked two groups of peace negotiators – one with the communist guerrillas and the other with the Muslim separatist rebels – to review agreements forged during the administration of former President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo, his spokesman said yesterday.

“Part of the work of the panels is to review past agreements,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters, adding that Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles has already formed two panels with five members each.

Other than this, Lacierda, however, could not give any more details, saying he was not informed on who will comprise the two panels.

“Secretary Deles has recommended the names of these persons but the President has yet to make the announcement. She didn’t inform me who the peace panel members will be,” he said. “Secretary Deles will oversee the two panels.” 

“This is a macro approach toward the armed conflict,” Lacierda said, adding that internally, they are resuming the peace talks while externally, the four pillars of the Aquino administration would have to be observed.

The four pillars are good governance, the delivery of basic services, economic recovery and sustainable development, and maintaining peace and security in the country by making sure that soldiers and policemen are well provided for.

“We sincerely hope that we can forge the peace process within the administration of President Aquino. As to how long it will (take) depends on the good faith of both parties. Although it’s really more on the implementation side,” he said. 

Deles said the main challenge for her right now is to build the peace team that will continue the talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the National Democratic Front.