Gatchalian challenges Reds to pursue peace like MILF, MNLF

Senator Win Gatchalian on Friday urged the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to take inspiration from the example set by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and engage the government in good faith peace talks to finally bring an end to the decades-old communist struggle.

Gatchalian issued the challenge after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law yesterday the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

"Now is the time for the CPP-NPA-NDF to step up. The passage and signing of the BOL into law is proof that there is always a way to work out our differences and come together to achieve lasting peace," he said.

"Instead of fighting, let us instead work together and channel our energies into more productive pursuits. Ito na pagkakataon na matapos ang ilang dekada ng rebelyon at makamit natin ang kapayapaan sa buong bansa," he added.

The peace talks with the communist group have stalled a number of times, but Gatchalian said the Reds should look to the BOL as inspiration and follow the lead of both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"Alam kong ilang beses nang naudlot ang pag-uusap pero ang BOL na ang pruweba na posible maayos ang anumang hindi pagkakaintindihan," he said.

The BOL was crafted after consultations with different stakeholders, including the MILF and MNLF.

According to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the planned peace talks between the government and the rebel group last month to allow more thorough public participation in the matter.

Duterte also terminated peace negotiations with the rebels in November last year, accusing them of pushing for a power-sharing coalition government, which is not allowed under the 1987 Constitution.