Persevere in the struggle for human rights and a just and lasting peace*
PRESS RELEASE
Information Bureau, CPP
December 10, 2010
The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today joins the people in commemorating International Human Rights Day and calls for the perseverance in the struggle for human rights and a just and lasting peace. "The people have to assert their rights because the Aquino regime is all excuses, no fulfillment when it comes to human rights and other issues of the people," said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago Salas. "Aquino's sincerity for peace remains doubtful because of his shabby regard for a binding agreement such as the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. His regime is causing much ill will by ignoring the CARHRIHL and continuing the impunity of the military for human rights violations. This was highlighted by the 19th IB's killing of eminent scientist Leonardo Co in Leyte, on top of many more abuses against civilians in the course of massive military operations, especially in Samar. Such yawning indifference on the part of the Aquino regime casts a shadow on the peace talks."
Fr. Salas also said that the 18-day ceasefire from Dec. 16 to Jan. 3 declared by the CPP-NPA-NDFP and reciprocated by the Aquino government is a show of goodwill. "The CPP-NPA-NDFP's ceasefire declaration seeks to encourage a conducive atmosphere for the resumption of the peace talks. This invites welcome developments on certain concerns that could help the peace talks prosper. There is the matter of the release of the detained NDFP peace consultants and staff, such as Eduardo Sarmiento from Eastern Visayas, as well as all political prisoners. There should also be serious efforts to stop human rights violations according to the terms of the CARHRIHL. Favorable conditions should be built such as ensuring the full observation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees. These were unfortunately not addressed despite Aquino's five months in office, but if fulfilled, will certainly go a long way towards fruitful neogtiations."
The NDF-EV spokesperson also expressed optimism for the success of the peace talks. "We hope that the Philippine government will respond to the long-standing appeals of the revolutionary movement and the people for national and social liberation and justice. The Philippine government has also long been urged to unite with the appeal for the peace talks as the means to address the root causes of the civil war in the country. These are challenges for the Aquino government against pursuing all-out war as dictated by the US Counterinsurgency Guide. It will be well and good if we can see any meaningful initiative for a just and lasting peace. Until now, the 8th Infantry Division in the region has been publicly boasting of intensifying the militarist solution and stands accused of massive human rights violations."
Fr. Salas said that a just and lasting peace is not served on a silver platter and must be struggled for. "The peace talks is not about compelling the surrender of the revolutionary forces and hoodwinking the people that change has arrived. There is a civil war because of the people's grievances such as their demands for land reform, freedom from foreign domination, basic social services, and other fundamental changes. The people should continue fighting for these legitimate demands along with the call for peace talks. As long as the people struggle, there is always hope."
* Url:http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2010/12/persevere-in-struggle-for-human-rights.html
