Palace exec confirms Tiamzon couple to be given safe conduct passes for PHL gov’t-NDF peace talks in Oslo

The Malacañang Palace (Facebook photo)

MANILA – A Palace official on Wednesday said safe conduct passes will be given to some political prisoners when government peace negotiators meet with officials of the National Democratic Front (NDF) on Aug. 20 in Oslo, Norway.

“A number will be given safe passage,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a briefing in Malacañang.

Asked whether these political prisoners include the Tiamzon couple, Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Chairman Benito Tiamzon and wife, Wilma, who is the group’s Secretary-General, Abella said affirmative.

“As far as I know, as of this moment, kasama sila (they are included). I think they will be given safe passes,” he said.

Government peace negotiators earlier said resumption of the formal peace negotiations with the NDF will be made to address the issues between both parties.

“We want to lay a more formidable and durable foundation for the peace talks, particularly with regard the mechanics that would govern a nationwide ceasefire and the release of political prisoners,” Panel Chairman and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

The peace talks was initially scheduled in the last week of July but was postponed for a few weeks to address technical details.