Gov't chief negotiator with CPP/NPA/NDF takes oath

Pasig City, Nov. 11 - Newly-appointed chief negotiator for the Government Peace Negotiating Panel for Talks with the CPP/ NPA/ NDF Atty. Alexander Padilla formally took oath yesterday before Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.

Padilla is a renowned advocate of peace, justice and human rights, who has worked with progressive NGOs in his private practice.

President Benigno Aquino formally appointed Padilla on October 21 this year to head the resumption of the formal peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF.

With Padilla in the panel are fellow peace and human rights activists, Atty. Pablito Sanidad of Baguio City, Ednar Dayanhirang of Davao Oriental, Maria Lourdes Tison of Negros Occidental and Jurgette Honculada of Zamboanga.

The government peace panel has been directed by the President to pursue a time-bound and agenda-bound peace negotiations with the CPP / NPA / NDF based on peace, justice and human rights while stressing that the peace negotiations be done in consultation with the affected communities, sectors and stakeholders.#