By CESAR JOLITO III
The National Democratic Front (NDF) in Negros has rejected renewed proposals for localized peace talks, saying that negotiations should instead be conducted at the national level to address what it described as long-standing systemic issues behind the armed conflict.
In a statement released on May 26, NDF-Negros spokesperson Ka Bayani Obrero said localized peace efforts endorsed by provincial officials and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. would not resolve the roots of the insurgency, arguing that the conflict stems from nationwide socioeconomic conditions rather than isolated local grievances.
Obrero said issues such as land ownership, labor conditions and economic policy must be tackled through broader reforms.
He also reiterated the group’s call for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, which has long been proposed in earlier peace negotiations.
“Farmers in Negros do not suffer hunger or low wages only because of local conditions. These stem from structures that exist across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” Obrero said, adding that localized discussions “only address symptoms, not the root causes.”
He also questioned government programs such as amnesty initiatives and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, saying assistance for former combatants should not be treated as a reward for surrender but as a basic state responsibility.
The statement comes amid renewed advocacy from local government leaders under the Negros Association of Chief Executives, led by Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who have been pushing for localized peace engagement mechanisms and reintegration programs for former rebels.
Provincial officials, including Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, have supported localized approaches in coordination with national security agencies, particularly following recent armed encounters in northern Negros.
One of the most recent incidents cited in the ongoing security situation was a clash in Toboso in April 2026 that resulted in multiple fatalities, with authorities and other stakeholders presenting differing accounts regarding the identities of those killed.
During his visit to Negros Occidental on May 23, Teodoro reiterated the government’s position favoring localized peace initiatives, saying such mechanisms allow for faster, community-based conflict resolution and reintegration efforts.
However, NDF-Negros maintained that only national-level negotiations can resolve what it described as a “countrywide political and socioeconomic struggle,” warning that unresolved issues would continue to fuel armed resistance.
Government officials have yet to issue a direct response to the latest statement, but earlier they emphasized continued implementation of localized peace and development frameworks as part of the country’s broader peace and security strategy./CJ, WDJ