- The peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP/NPA/NDF have spanned 24 years over 4 presidencies and included over 40 rounds of talks and 13 interruptions. More than 10 agreements have been signed. - Recent policy thrusts include the reconstitution of a new government panel in October 2010, chair-to-chair meetings in December 2010 that agreed to resume formal talks in February 2011, and preliminary talks in January 2011 that set the agenda. - The preliminary talks achieved agreements on ceasefires during the formal talks, accelerating negotiations to complete remaining substantive agenda items within 18 months to 3 years, and establishing working groups on political reforms.

1. Forum on Peace and Security: Pursuing EDSA’s Path of Peace 3 March 2011; ISO Conference Center, SDC Ateneo de Manila University OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER ON THE PEACE PROCESS Government of the Philippines Panel for Peace Negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF By Alexander A. Padilla GPH Panel Chair

14. 2. Timeframe for the Peace Negotiations General timeframe of 18 months for completing by the Reciprocal Working Committees (RWCs) and signing by the Panels of the draft comprehensive agreements on the remaining items of the agenda: September 2011 - the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER); February 2012 - the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR); June 2012- draft Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (CAEHDF)

15. 3. Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWCs-SER) Agreed to have three (3) bilateral meetings this year: June (2 nd wk) and August (2 nd wk/4 th wk), respectively. Submit drafts on substantive issues and complete tentative comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms to the Negotiating Panels in Sept 2011. GPH RWC shall soon be undertaking consultations with stakeholders on the desired socio-economic reforms.

16. 4. Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms (WGs-PCR) The Panels agreed to form their respective WGs on PCR to pave the way for the eventual formation of the RWCs-PCR. The WGs-PCR shall hold their initial session in April 2011 and every two months thereafter. The RWCs-PCR would be convened by October 2011 Working Groups to be composed of a head and two members appointed by the Panels, and to respectively nominate two independent cooperators. Working Groups and RWCs to avail of a Committee of Sages or resource persons, with 3 to 5 members nominated by each side.

17. 5. Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) The JMC for the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHRIHL reconvened and discussed the Supplemental Guidelines for the operation of the JMC with the view to submit a common draft for consideration of the respective Panels at a proximate future date. The JMC will meet again in March 2011 to schedule succeeding meetings.

18. 6. Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) The GPH shall continue to work on appropriate measures to effect the expeditious release of NDFP listed JASIG consultants and personalities, subject to verification as provided in the JASIG Supplemental Agreement. Each Party declared a unilateral ceasefire during the formal peace negotiations from 5-21 February 2011.

21. “ We must revive the peace process on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of the conflict, under clear policies that pave the way ahead, and driven by a genuine desire to attain a just and lasting peace”. Pres. Noynoy Aquino FOCAP Forum 2 April 2010