Campaign network for peace holds Peace March and Unveils Unity Manifesto

Manindigan sa Peace Talks held a Peace March last February 15, 2010 at the Quezon Memorial Circle to formally launch the campaign network and mount their Peace Manifesto. Members of the campaign network for peace advocates, held the march in time for the first day of the formal peace talks between the GPH and the CPP-NPA-NDF to raise public’s awareness.

Representatives of the various organizations, Max de Mesa of PAHRA, Karen Tanada of GZO Peace Institute, Joeven Reyes of Sulong CARHRIHL, Sr. Arnold Noel as Spokesperson of Manindigan sa Peace Talks, Egay Bans of IID and Pastor Benny Capuno of the IP Network, gave their words of support for the opening of the formal peace talks once more after almost seven years. Many have stressed that this is an opportune time to resume the peace talks and that the public should be engaged.

The Unity Manifesto of Manindigan sa Peace Talks was also unveiled during the program in the QMC which stressed the calls of the network to both parties for their sincere commitment to the peace talks, the full implementation of CARHRIHL, observance of bilateral ceasefire during the peace talks, transparency in the peace processes and for people’s voice to be heard on the talks on substantial reform agenda.

Those who joined the Peace March included the IP Network for Ancestral Domain and Peace, Teacher’s Dignity Coalition, Gen Peace Youth Network, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, Medical Action Group, Families of Enforced Disappearances, Balay Rehabilitation Center, Socio Pastoral Action Center Foundation – Camarines Norte, Mangyan Mission – Mindoro Oriental, Initiatives for International Dialogue, Social Action Center – Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose – Mindoro Occidental, Waging Peace Philippines, among others.