Luis Jalandoni
Chairperson
NDF-Negotiating Panel
October 19, 2011


Peace advocates in the country and abroad will be frustrated and deeply disappointed with GPH Panel Chair Alexander Padilla’s announcement of indefinitely postponing the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Their high hopes for the advance of the peace negotiations and the forging of agreements addressing the roots of the armed conflict are dashed by this Padilla announcement.

Padilla, Secretary Teresita Deles, and other GPH officials obstinately refuse to comply with the GPH obligation to release NDFP Consultants in accordance with the Joint Agreement and Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Oslo Statements of January and February 2011.

Norway Massacre, a wake-up call to labor-exporting governments to curb forced migration

We at PINAS FIRST, are one with the people of Norway in mourning the great loss of lives resulting from the despicable bombing and rampage in Norway on July 22, 2011. We urge the Norwegian government to conduct a thorough investigation of the case and mete out justice against the perpetrators of this terrible crime.

For Beth, it was a long, long journey to Oslo, literally and figuratively. The road to peace, she says however, is even longer, more difficult to traverse and full of potholes.

By D. L. MONDELO
Bulatlat Correspondent

OSLO, Norway – As a mixture of excitement and tension filled the air at the opening of the resumption of formal peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Oslo, Norway last February 15, Elizabeth “Beth” Principe seemed relaxed and confident.

Earlier during the first day, there were already contentious issues for both the GPH and the NDFP that almost threatened the opening of the resumption of the formal peace talks, and Beth would only listen as her peace panel delegation discussed their next move. Everyone in the NDFP secretariat room was hesitant to don his and her barong tagalog and formal wear until the issues were satisfactorily resolved and attend the opening ceremonies.

MIGRANTE Europe joins all peace-loving citizens, individuals and organizations and groups in condemning in the strongest terms the bombing and massacre which snuffed the lives of more than 90 people in Norway.