Manila (AsiaNews) - The Philippine Bishops' Conference has opened its doors to host the peace panel discussions between the New Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP, an umbrella group for Communist parties and guerrilla movements) and the Government Republic of the Philippines (GRP)  "as the Church's contribution in bringing peace to the country," Mons. Hernando Coronel told AsiaNews. This is the first time that the peace negotiations are being undertaken on Philippine soil. Prior talks were held earlier this year in Oslo, Norway, with the Norwegian government acting as thirdparty. This is the first step towards the possible end of the decades-long insurgency in the country.

In a press conference held at the Bishops' Conference media office April 15th, Professor CarlosMedina, representing the government,  officially announced the convening of the Joint Secretariat ofthe Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC). "The formation, operationalization and organizationalmeeting of the JMC is one of the important breakthroughs of the first formal talks between theGRP and the NDFP. Its formation is in accordance with the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL)." the statement read. The agreement was signed in March 1998 but had not yet been implemented by both parties. The JMC agency will not only monitor the dialogues but also receive complaints and reports of human rights violations and violation of international humanitarian law. The monitoring committee members represent individuals from both panels and are chaired by Professor Medina and Fidel Agcaoili of the NDFP. "I believe the agreement can be fruitful as long as the people will work for it. There is hope for genuine peace in the country" Bishop Emeritus Julio Labayen, OCD of the Diocese of Infanta told AsiaNews. "This hope for peace, however, is not only on a national dimension," the bishop added, "There is a global wish for peace. It is the concern of all the peoples throughout the world." He expounded his hope that this can be attained because people are opening their eyes, are taking responsibilities for attaining and keeping peace, and are getting involved in peace making.

The use of the Catholic Bishop's Conference as a venue for the discussions was approved by the Permanent Council and was approved by the Filipino Bishops, and the Secretary General of the CBC. (SE)

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• marxist
• guerrilla
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