Statement of GRP Panel Chair Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III on the Opening Ceremony of the Second Round of Talks between GRP and the NDF in Oslo, Norway, 6 October 2016

Together with Secretary Jesus Dureza, I am privileged to open today this round of formal peace talks with the NDF.  I am confident that the steadfastness of both parties in resuming the peace talks last month will continue to animate our task for this round of talks, which are the harmonization of the exchanged draft frameworks and outlines of our respective working committees are supposed to discuss and agree during this round of talks on a common draft agreement on joint ceasefire. The signing by the panels of the joint ceasefire this month as we also envisioned during the first round of talks, is being awaited by our public, especially by those communities that continue to be prejudiced by the armed conflict.

The significant impact of the indefinite ceasefire declared by the parties cannot be overemphasized, including the confidence of our peace constituency on the peace process. We note that the ceasefire is holding until this day, with no major violations reported by either party. This is an unparalleled achievement of the table, which should inspire us to advance the negotiations.

In this round of talks, let us also recognize the need to complete the negotiations in the next 12 months. This will provide ample time for the Duterte administration to efficiently implement the agreements we reached. We trust the NDF will still be with us in the implementation of these agreements.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the designation of Ka Fidel Agcaoili as the new chairman of the NDF panel. I also thank Ka Louie Jalandoni for his contribution to the peace talks. I trust he will continue to journey with us in seeking a negotiated political settlement of the armed conflict.

Last, but not the least, let me again thank our RNG third party facilitator and her team for their enabling support to our peace process. We also acknowledge the presence in this round of talks the members of House of Representatives. Their being part of the process will surely enlighten our work and journey to peace. (PR/posted by Becky D. de Asis)