Peace agreement with NPA faction a 'milestone' – Galvez
AS the government commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the 2000 peace agreement with the communist Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB), officials renewed their commitment to reaching a long-lasting reconciliation. In a statement issued on Friday, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the agreement with RPM-P/RPA/ABB "stands as a milestone in the country's peace-building efforts." The RPM-P was founded in 1996 after the Negros Regional Party Committee of the New People's Army (NPA) split from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) because of ideological differences. It established its military arm, the RPA, two months later. In 1997, the ABB, another faction that broke away from the NPA, allied with the RPA to form the RPA-ABB. The RPA-ABB entered into peace talks with the government in 1999, leading to a truce in December 2000. In 2007, the RPA-ABB split into factions led by Nilo dela Cruz and Stephen Paduano. Both claimed the group's name. By April 2013, the RPA-ABB rebranded as Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan and renounced violence. Galvez highlighted the strides made in reintegrating former combatants into society. He said the Kapatiran serves as a testament to the power of reconciliation. "Once engaged in armed conflict, the group has transitioned to becoming a partner in nation-building, embracing initiatives aimed at fostering societal progress," said Galvez. He also reflected on the challenges, including the complexities of addressing decades-long grievances and distrust. But he expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration to sustain peace. "Kapatiran's journey from insurgency to peace exemplifies the possibilities of transformation when dialogue and mutual understanding prevail," said Galvez. "Through various programs, former combatants have gained opportunities for productive livelihoods, education, and skills training — a clear indication of the government's commitment to ensuring their seamless reintegration into society," he said. Aside from celebrating past achievements, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (Opapru) is intensifying its efforts to expand the reach of peace initiatives. The agency is working closely with the Nilo Dela Cruz Group (NDCG), another faction of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB, in producing a holistic peace and development agenda. Central to these initiatives is the implementation of amnesty programs for qualified individuals.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
AS the government commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the 2000 peace agreement with the communist Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA/ABB), officials renewed their commitment to reaching a long-lasting reconciliation.
In a statement issued on Friday, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the agreement with RPM-P/RPA/ABB "stands as a milestone in the country's peace-building efforts."
The RPM-P was founded in 1996 after the Negros Regional Party Committee of the New People's Army (NPA) split from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) because of ideological differences. It established its military arm, the RPA, two months later.
In 1997, the ABB, another faction that broke away from the NPA, allied with the RPA to form the RPA-ABB.
The RPA-ABB entered into peace talks with the government in 1999, leading to a truce in December 2000.
In 2007, the RPA-ABB split into factions led by Nilo dela Cruz and Stephen Paduano. Both claimed the group's name. By April 2013, the RPA-ABB rebranded as Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan and renounced violence.
Galvez highlighted the strides made in reintegrating former combatants into society.
He said the Kapatiran serves as a testament to the power of reconciliation.
"Once engaged in armed conflict, the group has transitioned to becoming a partner in nation-building, embracing initiatives aimed at fostering societal progress," said Galvez.
He also reflected on the challenges, including the complexities of addressing decades-long grievances and distrust. But he expressed optimism about the ongoing collaboration to sustain peace.
"Kapatiran's journey from insurgency to peace exemplifies the possibilities of transformation when dialogue and mutual understanding prevail," said Galvez.
"Through various programs, former combatants have gained opportunities for productive livelihoods, education, and skills training — a clear indication of the government's commitment to ensuring their seamless reintegration into society," he said.
Aside from celebrating past achievements, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (Opapru) is intensifying its efforts to expand the reach of peace initiatives.
The agency is working closely with the Nilo Dela Cruz Group (NDCG), another faction of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB, in producing a holistic peace and development agenda.
Central to these initiatives is the implementation of amnesty programs for qualified individuals.
