The so-called “protectors of the masses” have struck once again to viciously put an end to the lives of two of their former comrades who had recently returned to the folds of the law.
Today, we pay tribute to our brave Filipino soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Fall of Bataan 77 years ago.
We also recognize the martyrdom of all of those who gave up their lives during one of the darkest chapters of our nation’s history.
Let us remember the gallantry of these heroes who even in the face of death, demonstrated to our nation and the whole world their immeasurable love for our motherland.
Several decades have passed since that fateful day but its lessons still resonate among all of us today.
We should draw inspiration from our fallen brothers who have displayed extraordinary courage during those trying times.
As we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of our heroes today, I would like to call on my fellow countrymen to work hand in hand as we pursue our collective goal of achieving enduring peace.
I encourage everyone to do their part in strengthening the bond of unity and cooperation among us, particularly in pushing forward the Philippine peace process.
I believe that it is only through our concerted efforts and deep love for country that we can make our dreams for our nation a reality.
These aspirations are best reflected in the successful implementation of peace agreements with our Moro brothers and sisters in Mindanao.
We are also making major strides in our initiatives to address the communist insurgency problem through the national government’s whole-of-nation approach.
Times may have changed but the indomitable spirit of our heroes continues to live within our hearts and minds.
May they continue to serve as an inspiration to us all as we face the challenges of nation-building.
2017-12-14 GPH-MILF Panels Joint Statement.pdf by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Scribd
2017-12-14 Revised Implementing Guidelines of Joint Communique May 6 2002.pdf by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Scribd
2017-12-14 Guidelines for the Operationalization BNTF.pdf by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Scribd
2017-12-14 TOR for the GPH-MILF Communications Committee.pdf by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Scribd
2017-12-14 Renewal of Mandate of IMT-CPC.pdf by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on Scribd
Even before Marawi erupted, former Mayor Omar Solitario contacted me about possible incidents involving the Mautes as his brother, also former Mayor Pre Salic was a relative by affinity of the Mautes in Lanao. He volunteered to help. OPAPP then provided support in his plans of putting back in operation a local radio station that had stopped due to the need to install a new antenna to mobilize listeners how to counter violent extremism. He even published a small book on how to deal with the emergence of violent extremism.
I also arranged a Davao meeting with the President where he offered help. After the meeting, I got him on a consultancy arrangement with OPAPP.
When Marawi erupted, he was sending me timely situation updates and offered if he could initiate talks with the Mautes. After consulting others, I advised him to first refrain from dealing with them as the situation was still fluid consistent with government policy that we cannot undertake peace talks with plain terrorists.
Subsequently, when his name was included in the arrest orders pursuant to the declaration of martial law, I revoked his consultancy arrangement with OPAPP. He later informed me that he left Marawi City and stayed in a safe sanctuary outside the city but he kept in touch making suggestions on how to deal with the developing incidents. He was distressed why his name was included in the list. At one time, when the President was in Cagayan de Oro monitoring Marawi, I arranged his phone call with the President . The president told him over the phone that he instead should talk to me. So I continued handling him.
Later on I was informed that there was an arrangement for him to meet with National Defense Secretary Lorenzana to discuss how he could help government. Since his name was still in the arrest order and in order to enable him to meet with the Defense Secretary in Iligan City or in Marawi, I recommended that a clearance from the SND be issued to allow him to safely travel to meet the SND for the purpose considering there were AFP checkpoints and his name was on the arrest list. I talked with Sec Lorenzana and I was told that a clearance for him was being issued, including his two sons (the latter two not being included in my representations as I did not know them and their activities.)
During our cabinet security cluster meeting at Camp Aguinaldo, I was furnished copies of the clearances signed by Sec Lorenzana and I emailed the copies to Former iligan Mayor Franklin Quijano to pass them on to Omar Solitario. I also later called Solitario that he should directly arrange the planned meeting with SND as OPAPP does not get involved in AFP operational matters.
I am announcing the cancellation of backchannel talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF originally set within the next few days in Europe due to recent developments involving attacks done by the NPAs.
The situation on the ground necessary to provide the desired enabling environment for the conduct of peace negotiations are still not present up to this time.
6 April 2017 | Noordwilk Aan Zee, The Netherlands
We conclude today the fourth round of talks in exuberance knowing that it has contributed immensely to the quest for an enduring peace for our people. By this common ground, we forged yesterday an agreement on the Interim Joint Ceasefire. This is a significant milestone in the peace process given the divide that has characterized it for decades. Let this Interim Ceasefire progress towards a permanent one.
The Parties agree to conclude the unfinished distribution of land and do this for free for the landless and poor farmers, farm workers, and fisherfolk, with just compensation to owners. The immediate focus is the distribution of the remaining balance of the lands for distribution under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL).
Opening statement of Secretary Jesus G. Dureza on the Fourth Round of Peace Talks
3 April 2017 | Radisson Blue Palace Hotel, Noordijk, The Netherlands
(Greetings and thanks to the Norwegian host, the CPP/NPA/NDF, the government panel, guests, media and participants.)
It is the wish of President Duterte to achieve a lasting, sustainable and principled peace.
Today we witness history. The talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF panel has never gone this far before. In this 4th round of peace talks, we shall tackle the heart and soul of the peace process, the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER).
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We met with President Duterte until late last night and discussed the directions and possible next steps in our peace engagements with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), the Bangsamoro, the Cordillerans, and the other stakeholders.
