Words should lead to actions: A response to the GPH-NDF JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON INFORMAL TALKS

Words should lead to actions
A response to the GPH-NDF JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON INFORMAL TALKS
January 21, 2011

We, civil society organizations, welcome the release to the public today of the Joint Communique of the GPH and CPP-NPA-NDFP as a result of its informal talks last week, especially noting its importance for communities who bear the brunt brought about by the armed conflict between the two parties.

This communiqué brought to mind several cases reported by our local partners and some directly to our office about CARHRIHL violations in the communities. First is the case of a farmer leader who attended one of our Peace and Human Rights Training. He was killed in a broad daylight right outside his house by armed men whom the farmer even served coffee prior to his death. This also reminded us of the 4 Dumagats who, while doing their usual kaingin, were beaten up and arrested to coerce a confession. It also brings to mind the hundreds of individuals who flee their homes because of an on-going military offensives conducted in their communities belonging mostly to ancestral domains of the Indigenous People. This also reminds us of the fear of families which they shared with us when they felt that their children are no longer safe as they become casualties of the armed conflict or through recruitment to join in the armed conflict. This also reminds us of the continuing harassment on community members because of tagging as supporters of either side.

In the wake of this communiqué, that the reconvening of the JMC of CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law) – the agreement which was supposed to ensure that both parties do not commit human rights and international humanitarian law violations – as part of the agenda, we remember the thousands of complaints of CARHIHL violations filed at the JMC. Is there a report on the status of these cases? What were the actions taken by both parties to address them from both sides?

Resuming the peace talks is something that communities have long hoped and sought after. Both parties claim they represent the Filipino People, but we cannot help but ask if the sentiments and aspirations of the Filipino People will really be represented. Will there be dialogues on the ground to hear the voices of the people especially on the socio-economic reforms and the political and constitutional reforms – two agendas which they also agreed upon under the Hague Declaration? Will there be a mechanism present to observe transparency on the developments of the peace talks and agreements?

We believe that this is not just a peace talks between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDFP but a large part of involves the Filipino people. The substantial and pressing issues, some of which we already mentioned above must be addressed. We appeal on all concerned parties and to the Filipino people to reclaim their stake and responsibility in the peace process and to remain vigilant for the positive outcomes of the peace talks so that they will cease to remain words and turn into actions.

SR. ARNOLD MARIA NOEL, SSps
Co-Chairperson, Sulong CARHRIHL