MANILA – Senate President Franklin Drilon on Sunday said he is supporting the revival of the peace talks between the government and the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
”I am supporting the revival of the peace talks. It is not an easy but at least there should be an effort,” Drilon said.
Drilon made this reaction to reports that Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Joma Sison has expressed willingness to talk with President Benigno Aquino III to jumpstart the peace talks after Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines.
”When I was secretary of justice, I am part of the advisory group. It is really difficult to have peace talks specially with the NDF,” Drilon said.
”It is very complicated, that’s why it is not easy. It is bothered with optimism we are looking forward a final settlement but I support the effort to restart the peace process,” he added.
For his part, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV also welcomed the initiative of the NDF but cautioned the government about the sincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
”We welcome any initiative to start peace process but the foundation of the peace talks is trust on both sides. In the end, it might be used as tactical maneuver to release their detained comrades,” Trillanes said.
Trillanes, a former Navy officer, said it happened many times in the past when political detainees were released and returned to the mountain, killing government troops.
For the peace talks between the government and NDF-NPA-CPP to succeed, Trillanes said it is important for both sides to develop trust.
Sison is the chief political consultant of the NDFP which had been engaged in peace talks with the Philippine government for the last three decades.