SULONG CARHRIHL Network (SCN), together with its 147 network partners nationwide, is deeply saddened and concerned with the postponement of the long-overdue fifth round of formal talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) initially scheduled after informal talks between the two parties.
SCN’s network partners, which are community based organizations, majority of which are in the ground where actual military encounters and clashes happen, were looking forward to the proposed “stand down” between the warring forces of the military and the New People’s Army.
This was supposed to give them reprieve from threats to their communities as the reported cases of encounters and clashes that led to violations have increased after the breakdown of talks in 2017.
The proposed stand down is one of the confidence building measures both parties can offer to the people that can mitigate incidents of violence in the communities.
The network urgently appeals on the GRP and NDFP together with their respective principals to continue on the path to peace and get back on the negotiating table. - Sulong CARHRIHL Network