Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has described the National Democratic Front’s intention to sign the bilateral ceasefire agreement as a “welcome development” to peace talks between the rebels and the national government.
“The good intention of the NDF to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement is indeed a welcome development as this may result to a positive atmosphere when we meet again for the third round of our peace talks early next year,” Pamintuan, also an adviser to the government’s peace panel, said in a press statement.
“I welcome the NDF’s efforts to sit down with the GRP to attain peace. There are challenges but we continue to struggle in order to achieve the long-lasting peace our nation deserve.
This bilateral ceasefire would also mean peace not only for the armed men but also for our kababayans who might get caught in the crossfire,” he added.
Pamintuan also said the agreement is another milestone in the ongoing peace process under the Duterte administration.
“Forging a bilateral ceasefire agreement is an early Christmas gift from the government and the NDF to the Filipino people. I hope and pray that this will lead to the cessation of hostilities to a just and permanent peace,” he said.