CPLA pushes new peace talks with government

By Larry Madarang

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Cordillera People’s Liberation Army is pushing government to resume peace talks with the former rebel group to discuss “unfinished” business or irritants.

Thomas Killip, presidential assistant for the Cordillera in a letter to Sec. Annabelle Abaya, presidential adviser on the peace process, has recommended a review of the “three point agenda” presented to him by the CPLA late November.

“An armed group does not contribute to economic development and in fact can become an intimidating force just like what happened in the past,” Killip said.

On Nov. 23, members of the CPLA High Command led by interim chairman Arsenio Humiding visited Killip in his office to discuss the new policy thrust and directions of the CPLA and declare their commitment to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines-CPLA peace process.

The CPLA presented the three point agenda to Killip which included completion of Administrative Order 18 by integrating the remaining 48 CPLA members into the AFP and provision of livelihood assistance for those who opt not to be integrated.

Another was the participation in the attainment of the Constitutional provision and mandate of Executive Order 220 for creation of an autonomous region in the Cordillera and implementation of a roadmap to peace and development.

“Madam Secretary, the Three-Point Agenda, which they have presented, manifest their organization’s direction towards fulfilling mandates of the 1986 Mt. Data Peace Accord,” Killip told Abaya in his letter.

He added he “appreciates very much the efforts and sincerity to reform, re-build and transform the CPLA as an organization with a cause. With the new leadership in the CPLA, I am optimistic that a smooth working relationship and partnership with OPAPP will be established and strengthened.”

On Oct. 22, a manifesto declaring their loss of confidence in the leadership of Mailed Molina was signed by different zone commands of the CPLA.

Humiding was selected to replace Molina as interim chairman until they the CPLA congress to be held next year.