Global support urged for Philippine peace talks

Faith-based groups call for international participation to ensure deal can be struck with communist rebels.

A peace activist pastes a paper dove on a "freedom wall" during a peace forum in Manila on Aug. 16. (Photo by Mark Saludes)

Manila:  Faith-based groups in the Philippines have called for international support for the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels who have been waging four decades of war.

"Peace advocates around the world must expose and oppose peace spoilers," said Rebecca Lawson, spokeswoman of the interfaith group Pilgrims for Peace in a forum on Aug. 16.

Lawson, a Canadian national based in Manila, said the international community should not only support the peace talks, but also "join the dialogue and amplify the discussions."

"They can ensure that both parties are taking every possibility to attain long-lasting peace," she said, adding that the talks should "respect and recognize previous signed agreements" signed by both parties.

The Philippine government and the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines are set to resume formal peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway, on Aug. 20.

Peace negotiations between the government and the communists hit an impasse in 2011, with both parties pushing for preconditions before the start of another round of formal talks.

"Peace is everybody's business," said United Methodist Church Bishop Rodolfo Juan of Manila.

"As peace advocates, we should act to reinforce the negotiations by pressing both parties to immediately resolve the armed conflict," said the Protestant bishop.

He said the international community can pressure both parties "to come up with solid agreements that will address social injustices."

Pastor Cathy Chang of the United Church of Christ in the United States said the international community has a "big role in the consolidation of peace."

He said international bodies can bring together arbitrators who can discuss issues that can give the Philippine government and the rebels a "broader view of the impacts of the peace talks."

Nardy Sabino, secretary-general of the Promotion of Church People’s Response, said the country's Catholic and the Protestant Churches "must use their prophetic voices to seek aid and support from the international community."

"We should call all faithful to unite, promote peace, and urge the government and the communists to tackle the roots of the armed conflict," he said.

Sabino said the intervention of the international community is necessary to educate the people about the conflict.

The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines also joined calls for "a just and lasting peace" as the start of talks nears.

The group called on Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to "remain in track for peace, resist the militarist outlook, and address the root causes of the armed conflict."

Source: UCAN