CAVEAT PEACE TALKS: On the Insincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Peace Negotiations

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Word on the Street is Kontra-Kwento’s letter to the editor. Send yours to kontakwento@gmail.com.

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The CPP-NPA-NDF has never approached peace negotiations in good faith. For decades, they have clung to a rigid doctrine that treats peace talks not as a genuine path to reconciliation, but as a mere instrument to advance their so-called people’s war. This policy is embedded in their revolutionary framework, wherein every arena—including the negotiating table—is simply another front in their protracted armed struggle.

In their own words and practice, peace talks are viewed as a “battlefield without gunfire,” a venue to gain political leverage, regroup their forces, and exploit the democratic space to infiltrate institutions. Negotiations are used to extract concessions, secure tactical advantages, and conduct propaganda—never to lay down arms or achieve lasting peace.

This cynical manipulation undermines every attempt at dialogue. It is not peace they seek, but breathing space to strengthen their insurgency. Until they renounce this weaponization of peace talks and abandon the armed struggle, negotiations will remain a charade—a strategic pause in the conflict, rather than a sincere effort to end it.

Ika nga ng yumaong Francis M, "You can't talk peace and have a gun."

Lope Nagusara

Kanhing Lumilihok sa Mindanaw

Good evening po. I would like to contribute to your Kontra-Kuwento content by submitting an article in your Word on the Street (LTTE) section. I hope my article will be considered for publication, as I look forward to sharing my thoughts and supporting your efforts to expose the deceptive character of the CPP-NPA-NDF.