Creating a new agency embarking on “peace” doesn’t seem reflective of the government’s sincerity in promoting an end to a 50-year old conflict, says militant leader Renato Reyes.
Reacting to Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.’s call to Congress to enact a law creating what he referred to as the Department of Peace (DOP), Reyes, in his capacity as president of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) took a swipe at the Palace official.
According to Reyes, the government should first consider resumption of peace talks before even considering the idea of forming another agency.
“Added bureaucracy should not be the main concern now. Where are the peace talks with the NDFP? Why no GRP peace panel until now? A Department of Peace yet no meaningful advance in peace talks? What are the priorities here?,” reads part of Reyes’ statement.
Prior to Reyes’ tirade, Galvez who heads the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) presented an idea which he claimed will carry on the gains made after the forging of peace deals with rebel groups.
Citing what has been done in other countries, Galvez said that the proposed agency, which will subsequently replace OPAPRU, would effectively implement government policies.
He however did not say what government he is referring to.
“We saw the best practices of other countries. They really have ministries or departments of peace,” Galvez told reporters during a press briefing.
His call comes after Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa hinted at changing the name of the agency which he currently heads – from Department of Health to Department of Health and Wellness.
But unlike DOH, Galvez said that his suggestion is beyond “rebranding,” even as he admitted that transforming his office into Cabinet-level office will effectively address the security of tenure and career advancement of OPAPRU employees, most of whom are classified as contractuals and JOs (job order).
“It shall contribute to the promotion of peace that is not merely a fleeting priority or an ad hoc approach, but rather a sustained and consistent effort of the government,” Galvez said.
OPAPRU (formerly known as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) was created in December 2021 by virtue of Executive Order 158 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Under EO 158, OPAPRU has a marching order to handle peace talks and negotiations with communist and extremist groups which now falls under the classification of “terrorists.”
Interestingly, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in 2023 asked the government to come up with a framework to restart the peace talks. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
