resolution

Pursue Formal Peace Talks in Philippines

2016 Book of Resolutions, #6138

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), the broadest ecumenical formation of church leaders advocating for the formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), is alarmed over recent pronouncements of both sides that may not augur well for the continuation of the formal peace talks.

After the spark of hope that was brought about by the GPH-NDFP formal peace talks last February, which produced the February 21, 2011, Oslo Joint Statement, the recent pronouncements to the media from both GPH Peace Panel Chair Atty. Alex Padilla and NDFP Peace Panel Spokesperson, Fidel Agcaolli, bodes for another postponement of the formal talks. The talk was postponed already last June and they feel that another postponement may truly derail the peace negotiations.

The PEPP also encourages both sides to abide by their own reaffirmation of the validity and binding effect of all previous bilateral agreements as stated in the February Joint Statement.

One of the major developments last February was the setting up of a timetable for the negotiations. For advocates, the schedules indicated in the timetable can be guideposts to peace. They call on both panels to work hard in order to meet the proposed schedules. If both sides abide by this, and try to build bridges instead of hurdles, and they reiterate this—through principled negotiations—our country will enjoy what the psalmist promised, “a future awaits those who seek peace” (Psalm 37:37 NIV). (Source: Most Rev. DEOGRACIAS S. INIGUEZ, JR., D.D.— Head of the Secretariat; Archbishop ANTONIO J. LEDESMA, SJ, DD Ms. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES—Co-chairpersons, August 28, 2011)

Therefore, be it resolved, for The United Methodist Church to urge the president and executive branch of the Philippine government to order the immediate continuation and genuinely advance formal peace talks with NDFP and MILF.

Be it further resolved, for The United Methodist Church to urge the president and executive branch of the Philippine government to consider accepting the “10-Point Proposal for a Concise Agreement for an Immediate Just Peace”:

  1. Unite the Filipino people through a broad alliance of patriotic and progressive forces and a clean and honest coalition government for genuine national independence and democracy against any foreign domination or control and against subservience.

  2. Empower the toiling masses of workers and peasants by respecting their democratic rights and providing for their significant representation in organs of the coalition government and for assistance to the organizations, programs, and projects of the toiling masses.

  3. Uphold economic sovereignty, carry out Filipino-owned national industrialization and land reform and oppose imperialist plunder and bureaucratic and military corruption in order to develop the national economy.

  4. Cancel the foreign debt and reduce the appropriations for the military and other armed organizations of the GRP in order to provide adequate resources and savings for economic development, improvement of the means of livelihood, the alleviation of poverty, the realization of gender equality, promotion of children’s rights and welfare and healthy environment.

  5. Promote and support a patriotic, scientific, and pro-people culture through the educational system, mass media, and mass organizations, cherish the cultural heritage of the Filipino nation and all the ethno-linguistic communities in the country.

  6. Recognize the right to self-determination and autonomy of national minorities, ensure proportionate representation in organs of the coalition government and institutions and provide for affirmative action to countervail long running discrimination and wrongs.

  7. Investigate and try government officials who are liable for treason, corruption, and human rights violations.

  8. Carry out a truly independent foreign policy for world peace and economic development, oppose imperialist acts of plunder and foreign aggression and intervention, and prevent the basing and stationing of foreign troops and weapons of mass destruction in the country.

  9. Maintain normal trade and diplomatic relations with all countries and develop the closest of relations with other ASEAN countries, China, South and North Korea, Japan, and Russia, emphasizing equable exchange of goods, acquiring goods for industrialization, and guaranteeing energy supply.

  10. Inaugurate a truce between the warring forces of the GRP and NDFP for the purpose of alliance and other constructive purposes as stated above.

ADOPTED 2012 RESOLUTION #6138, 2012 BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS

See Social Principles, ¶ 165C.