Peace advocates in Negros Occidental are storming the heavens with prayers for the successful outcome of the peace talks that began yesterday between the government and National Democratic Front, but Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. was not too optimistic.

Peace advocate Cesar Villanueva of Pax Christi Pilipinas, a national movement advocating peace based on justice, healing and reconciliation, said they are elated that the government and NDF have decided to go back to the negotiating table in Oslo, Norway.

Villanueva, who led  ecumenical prayers and candle lighting in front of the Bacolod San Sebastian Cathedral yesterday, in support of the peace talks, said they are praying for the success of the peace process and sincerely hope that it paves the way to a final peace agreement that can bring about the end of armed hostilities, and create the condition for a just peace, healing and reconciliation.

The activity was attended by nuns, students, peace advocates, among others.

Villanueva said they commend President Benigno Aquino III, the NDF and the Royal Norwegian government for standing by their commitment to the attainment of an equitable and sustainable peace by addressing the roots of the armed conflict in the peace negotiations.

The Philippine government and the NDF have declared a seven-day ceasefire during the duration of the talks.

Marañon said the ceasefire is good if it is strictly followed. “They are only good in talking, but not in compliance,” he said.

Marañon said the 40 years of fighting by the NPA against government has done nothing good, stressing that his invitation to a dialog remains open, he even prays that they will change their minds and end the armed conflict.

The National Democratic Front-Negros, in a statement released Monday slammed the Negros First Program of Maranon and the implementation of Armed Forces Oplan Bayanihan campaign in the province.

Marañon said what they (communist rebels) always want is war.

“It is very easy to criticize, but what is their program to help the people?” he asked.

“We are always having peace talks, but until now, there is no peace,” Marañon said.

Meanwhile, Army Col. Jonas Sumagaysay yesterday said the 303rd Infantry Brigade will comply strictly with the order for a weeklong cessation of armed hostilities in Negros Occidental, and expressed hope that the New People’s Army will do the same.

The government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front have agreed to suspend military offensives against each other, in the spirit of goodwill and as part of the confidence building measures, in support of the resumption of their peace talks.

The ceasefire started yesterday and will end Feb. 21.

Sumagaysay who supervises the internal security operations in Negros Occidental, said they will continue to conduct regular preventive patrols, minus tactical operations against the New People’s Army, to secure military camps and vital government installations.

The Communist Party of the Philippines has also enjoined all its NPA units to be only on defensive mode, while the ceasefire is in effect.

Sumagaysay advised the NPA to take advantage of the ceasefire to bring their injured comrades to the lowlands, and to avail of proper medical treatment in hospitals.

He said they received reports than an injured amazon recently died, because she was not accorded proper medical treatment.*GPB

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