Signing of a comprehensive agreement on social economic reforms triggers discussion on ceasefire, and eventually end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

BAGUIO CITY – “CASER is the trigger mechanism that would lead to the discussion of constitutional reforms and end of hostilities,” said Government peace panel member and former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza after a two-day consultation-workshop on the government’s proposed social economic reforms and ceasefire here in the city. This is a first on the series of regional consultations on the said drafts to be conducted nationwide.

The consultation-workshop aims to generate valuable inputs, comments, and suggestions from key officials and leaders of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on the draft social economic reforms and ceasefire. It also aims to gather support for the ongoing peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF).

Braganza, who also supervises the discussions on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and joint ceasefire agreement explained that in order for the successful implementation of reforms, a security mechanism – ceasefire – has to be put in place.

“A ceasefire can provide a more conducive environment so that both Parties can talk freely and openly with minimal distractions. It also provides a breathing space especially in the conflict-affected areas. Ito ay may kinalaman sa delivery of support services and basic social services. Kung may ceasefire o may tigil putukan, local government, representatives of national agencies can freely move around. But more importantly, the civilians in the conflict areas can also conduct livelihood activities, businesses unhampered,” Braganza explained.

Braganza also emphasized that CASER is most important agenda being discussed in the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF).

“CASER ang pinakamahalaga na agenda sa usapin ng peace talks. Hindi lamang with the National Democratic Front but also with government because we are talking about reforms. When we talk about reforms, we’re trying to reform government…we are trying to come up with reforms on policy issues, on program issues, on specific project to implement that specific policy,” Braganza said.

The outcomes of the consultation-workshop produced by the representatives from Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) will be included as inputs to the fifth round of formal peace negotiation with the NDF scheduled in The Netherlands from 27 May to 1 June 2017.

 

Regional peace and order mechanism in absence of a unilateral ceasefire

Braganza reiterated that the GRP panel is also looking at the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) which can be adopted by both GRP and NDF parties as a security mechanism if a ceasefire is not yet in place. An enhanced RPOC can also include government agencies not focused on peace and order to deliver basic services.

“Hindi pwede na ‘yung national government will decide on issues on buffer zones and area of temporary state without direct consultations with local government, without the participation of the local government. We have chosen the RPOC as the mechanism because this is where all the agencies of government can meet… it can also be a measure where local government can be empowered including security forces to address the most immediate and basic needs of the people especially in the conflict-affected areas,” Braganza said.
RDC, RPOC joint statement of commitment for peace

Immediately after the two-day consultation-workshop, RDC and RPOC released a joint statement on their commitment to working towards the end of violence and the attainment of a permanent ceasefire.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who is also serving as the chair of RDC and RPOC combined said that the government is spending billions in addressing insurgency in the country instead of putting the money for the delivery of social services.

“We take note how much government is spending in addressing insurgency, aabot ng bilyon yan. If only this amount will be for socio-economic reforms, I am sure that the Philippine will not be as it is today,” Domogan said. ###