MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang said on Sunday that the government remains committed to resolving any conflict in a peaceful manner.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government is open to a dialogue with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) that would lead to understanding and agreement.
“Nananatiling bukas ang peace table ng OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) para sa CPP-NPA-NDF alinsunod sa commitment ng pamahalaan sa pagkakaroon ng isang makabuluhang proseso na maaaring humantong sa pagkakaunawaan o kasunduan,” said Coloma in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan.
However, Coloma said that while the government is open to a dialogue, it also has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizenry.
“Ang military operations ay isinasagawa upang pigilan ang karahasang ginagawa ng NPA laban sa mga mamamayan at upang magkaroon ng seguridad at kaayusan sa mga komunidad kung saan sila naghahasik ng ligalig,” he explained.
Coloma said the government is pushing for programs to deal with poverty, which is the root cause of insurgency in the country.
“Kaalinsabay nito, patuloy din ang pagsusulong ng mga programa na tumutugon sa kahirapan at kawalan ng oportunidad na siyang ugat ng insurgency sa bansa,” he said.
Noting President Aquino, Coloma stressed the need for the other parties to take the initiative to join the peace process and return to negotiations.
“Tulad ng sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino sa mga nakaraang panayam, ang pagbubukas ng usapang pangkapayapaan ay nakasalalay sa kanilang pagkukusang muling makilahok sa proseso at bumalik sa negosasyon,” the Palace official said.
The holiday season ceasefire between government troops and communist rebels ended last January 3.
Gov’t remains open to peace dialogue with CPP, NPA, NDF
