NATIONAL Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Fidel V. Agcaoili said he cancelled his trip to Manila for security reasons.
“On November 18, I was told that the appointment with the President had been cancelled and that I would only be meeting with Sec. Panelo and Sec. Dureza but that such a meeting might not prove useful without a new perspective. As a consequence, we decided that I also forego with my trip scheduled for that evening for security consideration,” Mr. Agcaoili said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
Mr. Agcaoili also said he and other NDFP leaders cancelled their trip to Manila after they were so advised by the government.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo were supposed to meet next week with NDFP leaders Messrs. Agcaoili and Luis Jalandoni to revive the peace talks.
Mr. Agcaoili also said in his statement, “On November 16, DILG Sec. Eduardo Año issued a statement that we would be arrested upon our arrival unless the President says otherwise. At around the same time on the same day, President Duterte said in Papua New Guinea that he was not yet prepared to resume talks with the revolutionary movement. As a consequence, we decided the following day to forego with the trip of Mr. Jalandoni and Ms. Ledesma whose names are in the so-called proscription case against the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) and NPA (New People’s Army).”
He added, “For the record, too, my name and that of Mr. Asterio Palima, as publicly known members of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, are not included in the list of 600 in the above-mentioned proscription case against the CPP and NPA. As far as I know, too, I have no outstanding case in any GRP courts.”
For his part, Mr. Panelo said, “The apprehension of the National Democratic Front (NDF) leader, Luis Jalandoni, that he would be arrested once he sets foot in Philippine soil is misplaced.”
He added, “Given that the President has opened a venue for informal talks with the NDF leaders to explore the possibility of resuming the peace talks, it goes without saying that no arrest shall be made during the days of informal talks.”
“Mr. Jalandoni’s intention in returning to the country is to promote the peace talks between their movement and the Philippine government. He is assured therefore that no arrest will be effected upon his person. To think otherwise is contrary to logic for certainly, a successful amicable discussion between the parties cannot be expected when one party’s liberty is…or (is) threatened to be…compromised,” Mr. Panelo also said. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

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