PRESS STATEMENT
Recently, three high ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have been arrested by law enforcement agencies by virtue of standing warrants of arrest issued by courts of competent jurisdiction. Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) were quick to claim these arrests as unlawful for supposedly being violative of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
It is worthy to emphasize that the Philippine Government validly terminated the JASIG on February 7, 2017 by serving a written notice of termination thereof, following the numerous violations committed by the CPP-NPA by employing violence, including killings and assaults.
To iterate, while the now-terminated JASIG grants peace talks negotiators and consultants with immunity from arrest, this shall not cover acts which are contrary to the purposes of, and beyond their involvement in, the peace negotiations.
Let this be a reminder that although the JASIG was aimed at fostering an environment of trust and confidence in the peace process, it was never meant to undermine our country’s criminal justice system. The JASIG’s purpose was to foster dialogue, not to provide a sanctuary for individuals committing heinous crimes.
We urge the public to be vigilant against the deceit of unscrupulous individuals whose goal is to sow fear and foster distrust to our duly constituted authorities. Our allegiance must always lie with the advancement of justice, peace, and the betterment of a united Philippines.
End of Statement NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU
Ref: Dr. Joel M. Sy Egco, PhD, MPSA
09155506969
December 4, 2024
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