June Duterte
While the country was busy delving and discussing the whys and wherefores of the day to day economic hardships bedevilling the nation, we have received reports of a so-called Joint Statement by the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines signed last November 23 purportedly seeking to initiate a fresh avenue for the settlement of over half a century of Maoist insurgency in this part of the globe.
If it came at a most opportune time in our history when there has been no infractions done by the rebels on the terms and conditions of the initial talks, it would have been met by great jubilation by a people certainly longing for peace, there would have been wide jubilation and acceptance.
But because we have witnessed how these peace accords in the past were merely utilized by the rebel organization to rest, regroup and rearm, this newest Joint Oslo Statement I suppose has met so much cynicism by a Filipino public no longer enamored by the Leftist narrative and storyline.
In its place there arose today several lingering questions that beg for honest answers if the rebel organization wishes to convince the nation of the validity of their cause and the supposed urgency of forging peace initiatives ahead.
For one, how can the over a hundred million Filipinos trust again this group of insurgents who do not mince a second in violating confidence-building measures by attacking and ambushing government operatives even at the height of peace negotiations, which is pure and simple duplicity and subterfuge?
How can an insurgency already rendered obsolete by the passing of time and the advent of a more open and inclusive governance still capture the acceptance and loyalty of the great masses when it has become apparent that their end game is the attainment and the seizure of political power by all means fair and foul, including waging a senseless, protracted war that has left a trail of blood and gore, of destroyed lives and dreams along the way?
Can a ‘principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict’ be considered today as tenable given the lackluster record by the insurgents in the area of sincerity and goodwill?
Like the millions of Filipinos out there trying to make a decent living, I too long for the day when I and my siblings can pursue our hopes and dreams unhampered by threats to life and property.
There is truth to the words of former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec Jesus Dureza when he said: “Every administration puts a building brick in place for sustainable peace.”
I am a believer too on the precept that the greater the challenge to our security, the more the urgency to try to explore all ways and means and avenues to find enduring social cohesion, inclusivity and harmony in our various communities.
However, this time it behooves upon us all to be extra watchful: Should we sit on the peace table once again pushed by the contingency of the time, guided caution must be one of our armament.
I would suggest that there be no compromise on the need to lay down all arms, a full and unequivocal renunciation of the terrorist method, full decommissioning and reintegration to mainstream society and not to delude us once again of their objective of supplanting our cherished democratic institutions with their own conceptions.
Absent these prerequisites, I do not see the need to hurry up with a contrived peace process just to satiate politicians or those in power today who indubitably aspire also to make a name in the area of conflict resolution under their watch.
We have learned our painful lessons well in past peace negotiations. Let us utilize them to our fullest advantage when the moment comes. (June Duterte)