50 Year Civil War Comes To An End In The Philippines

The Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) have agreed to a temporary ceasefire. The ceasefire is to be in effect from 23 December to 7 January. The parties are also in agreement to try to resume peace talks.

‘We are hopeful that the ceasefire and talks just before Christmas will help the parties to find their way back to the negotiating table. Norway stands ready to assist,’ Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide said.

After decades of conflict between the communists and the Government of the Philippines, a peace settlement would be of vital importance for civilians in the areas affected by conflict.

The conflict has lasted almost 50 years, with peace talks occurring periodically during the past 30 years. Since 2001, Norway has been a facilitator of the peace process. The last round of negotiations in Oslo took place in 2016.