NOORDWIJK AAN ZEE – The panels of the government and the National Democratic Front on Wednesday sealed an agreement on an interim joint ceasefire leading to a comprehensive settlement of the 48-year insurgency.

Both parties also moved fast to conclude provisions on a draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) meant to address the root causes of the armed conflict.

The ceasefire takes effect as soon as the guidelines and ground rules are approved.

The guidelines will govern such areas as the presence of armed groups in local communities; creation of buffer zones; prohibited, hostile and provocative acts including the collection of revolutionary taxes; and undertaking of joint socio-economic projects.

Also contemplated in the agreement is the formation of a Joint Ceasefire Committee and the prospective role of a third party in ceasefire monitoring and other ceasefire mechanisms in the implementation of the ceasefire, including the handling of complaints and alleged violations.

“Matters regarding a single government authority and taxation shall be discussed and resolved in forging the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms within the framework of the proposed Federal Republic of the Philippines.”

“The Joint Ceasefire Agreement shall be deemed interim until a permanent ceasefire agreement is forged pursuant to a Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces,” the agreement further provided.

The agreement was hammered out following marathon informal conversations among the panel members.

Signing for the GRP are Chairperson Silvestre Bello III, Panel members Mr. Hernani Braganza, Atty. Angela Trinidad-Librado, Atty. Rene Sarmiento, and Atty. Antonio Arellano

Signing for the NDF are Chairperson Mr. Fidel Agcaoili, Panel members Mr. Benito Tiamzon, Ms. Coni Ledesma, Ms. Julieta de Lima, and Mr. Asterio Palima.

Signing as observers are Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Jesus G. Dureza, and NDF chief political consultant along with Panel adviser Eduardo Pamintuan, and Mr. Luis Jalandoni.

(Photo by Joey Fornier)

Agreement on Interim Joint Ceasefire signed on 5 April 2017 in Netherlands by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Scribd