{UAH} Philippines Govt terminates Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees with Reds

Robert Atuhairew,

Here is Duterte pulling the peace talks several steps backwards. He is tearing apart this key peace deal that we agreed  just last year in Oslo, Norway. This agreement was actually signed in 1995 but was never implemented by successive governments until Duterte agreed to implement it last year after his election victory. Under this deal, over 500 members of the NDF were released from jail and those who are involved in the peace negotiations were given Immunity and Guarantees from arrest and prosecution. This is what Duterte has now ripped apart, which means even external consultants like myself can now be arrested and charged with rebellion, terrorism, etc. Duterte is lashing out like a drunk man- it is very difficult to understand his political moves.

Bobby

Govt terminates Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees with Reds

PIA - Wednesday 8th February, 2017

MANILA, Feb. 8 - The Philippine government on Tuesday terminated the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CCP/NPA/NDF).

The termination of the JASIG was confirmed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, in a statement.

"We wish to announce that following the President's pronouncement of the cancellation of the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) and, per his instructions, the Government of the Philippines (GRP) Panel served to the NDF today the Government's notice of termination of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG)," Dureza said.

The termination of the JASIG paves the way for the arrest of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants who were temporarily released from government detention to participate in the peace negotiations.

The Duterte government had earlier filed petitions before local courts for the temporary release of around 20 consultants, including NPA leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, for the negotiations.

The government and the NDF signed in February 1995 the JASIG, which guarantees safety and immunity to negotiators, consultants, and other personnel joining the peace talks.

Dureza said that despite the cancellation of the peace talks, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte "remains committed in its peace efforts by continuing with resolve to explore all opportunities to intensify implementation of genuine reforms for the benefit of the people."

He made the assurance that the "government will continue its vigilance in the preservation of law and order and in protecting our people against insurgent activities and threats of terrorism, and pursue the enhancement of our democratic institutions. Let us be one in our call for a stop to armed violence and pursue just and lasting peace by ways of peace." (PIA/OPAPP)

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