Vol. VI, No. 17 - September 15, 2024

The persistent war rhetoric, anti-peace and aggressive posturing by certain factions within the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) serve not the interests of the Filipino people, and only exposes their evil intentions according to the latest statement of Christians for National Liberation (CNL).

CNL, the organization of revolutionary Christians allied with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), released the statement in response to National Security Adviser Jonathan Malaya’s recent remarks touting the revolutionary movement to give up its armed struggle to show its sincerity to the peace talks.

CNL highlights a critical truth: Malaya and his ilk misrepresent peace initiatives as capitulation, framing any dialogue as a means to force the revolutionary movement to surrender.

It is therefore essential to challenge this narrative that equates peace with surrender. Such rhetoric not only mischaracterizes the intentions of the NDFP who seek a principled resolution to the armed conflict, but also disregards the voices of millions of the Filipino masses who yearn for just and lasting peace.

The NDFP has consistently underscored the importance of socioeconomic reforms that address the issue of landlessness, poverty, low wages and the lack of national industries in resolving the roots of the civil war.

In negotiations with the GRP, the NDFP has repeatedly championed the need for genuine agrarian reform as the cornerstone of peace. This commitment stems from the fact that a major aspect that fuels the armed struggle stems from the persisting dire conditions of the Filipino peasant class who see no other recourse but to take up arms and join the revolutionary movement.

Another root cause of the conflict is the systematic exploitation of the working class. Majority of Filipino workers continue to endure poverty wages, the lack of job security, and dismal working conditions. The lack of domestic industries prevents the creation of lasting job opportunities and force more and more Filipino workers to leave their homeland for greener pastures abroad.

The sincerity of the GRP in peace talks therefore can only be proven by its readiness to tackle these difficult, yet necessary reforms. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, the root causes of the armed conflict will persist.

The road to just and lasting peace is not easy, but it is clear that addressing the root causes of the armed conflict is the only way to achieve success in the negotiations. The NDFP’s focus on resolving issues of landlessness and wage poverty clearly demonstrates its commitment to the people’s aspirations.

If the GRP is truly sincere in its desire for peace, it must commit to addressing these same issues. This requires the political will to challenge the entrenched interests of the landed class and big comprador bourgeoisie. Additionally, the GRP must engage in peace talks with transparency, openness, and respect for the aspirations of the toiling Filipino masses.