Philippine government, communist rebels sign ceasefire deal

The Philippine government and Communist guerrillas (National Democratic Front (NDF)), on 26 August 2016 signed an indefinite ceasefire deal. The deal signed in Oslo, Norway will facilitate peace talks aimed at ending one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.

As per the Norwegian government, which is facilitating the talks, both sides agreed to implement unilateral ceasefires which are unlimited in time. Norway has had a role as facilitator for the peace process since 2001. Fitful peace talks have been going on since 1986.

The agreement extends a truce in place for the Oslo meeting, which began on 22 August 2016 and is the first formal negotiating session over the conflict since 2011.

The Communist Party of the Philippines launched rebellion in 1968 that has so far claimed the lives of 30000 people, according to official estimates. The 3000-strong New People’s Army, the armed wing of the communist party, operates mainly in the east and south of the Philippines.

The ceasefire agreement included a timetable for talks about political, economic and constitutional reforms. It also mapped out a path towards an amnesty for political prisoners. The two sides would meet again in Oslo on 8 October 2016.
President of Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte said he wants to end guerrilla wars with both communist and Muslim rebels that have been hampering economic development.

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