National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban Jr. has firmly supported Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s stance against resuming peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Oban stated that engaging in negotiations with what he termed a 'spent and isolated' group would not benefit the Filipino people, but rather lend credibility to a diminishing insurgency.
To resume national-level peace negotiations with a clearly spent, isolated, and criminal armed group would not advance the Filipino’s interest in security, peace, and development.
Eduardo Oban Jr.
His comments came in response to former peace negotiators advocating for a return to talks following a deadly military encounter with insurgents in Negros Occidental.
Oban criticized the CPP-NPA-NDF for historically exploiting peace negotiations for their own gain, allowing them to regroup and continue violent activities against civilians.
He asserted that the focus should shift from negotiations to empowering communities seeking development, justice, and security.
The Filipino people are not asking for the return of peace negotiations that the CPP-NPA-NDF has historically abused.
Eduardo Oban Jr.
Emphasizing localized peace initiatives, Oban expressed that communities are already taking steps to address the underlying causes of conflict.
He also mentioned that the government remains open to individuals willing to renounce armed struggle and reintegrate into society.