National Democratic Front of the Philippines Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison (davaotoday.comfile photo)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines Jose Maria Sison is hopeful to seal a peace agreement during the term of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

“It is in the people’s interest for the GRP and the NDFP to pursue the forging of a peace agreement,” Sison said in a statement Wednesday as he extolled Duterte for its decision to resume the peace negotiations.

“I wish to express deep appreciation to President Rodrigo Duterte for deciding to continue the peace negotiations and enabling the GRP to proceed with the scheduled 4th round of formal talks in April as agreed upon by the GRP and NDFP Negotiating Panels during the 3rd round in Rome on 25 January 2017,” Sison said.

The 78-year-old CPP founder said he is now helping with the preparations for the fourth round of talks this April.

On peace agreement, Sison emphasized that it  “should uphold the sovereignty and independence of the Filipino people, strengthen democracy for the exploited and oppressed people, create the conditions for economic development through land reform, national industrialization and expansion of social services and benefits, promotion of patriotic and scientific culture and peace and development in a multipolar world.”

Sison said he is currently under a care of a team of medical specialist after being hospitalized for some time. During the last round of talks, Sison fell ill and missed the closing ceremonies after he was admitted to hospital care.

But the communist leader was able to prepare his closing ceremony speech which was read by NDFP Senior Adviser Luis Jalandoni.

He added that he is on his way to full recovery and hopes to participate actively in the next round of talks. (davaotoday.com)

comments powered by Disqus