6 more political prisoners arrive in Oslo, seek release of others

OSLO, Norway – Six more former political prisoners arrived in Oslo at noontime on Tuesday, August 23, to join peace negotiations meant to end the longest communist insurgency in Asia. (Read: WHO’S WHO? Political prisoners released for Oslo peace talks).

Concha Araneta Bocala, Afredo Mapano, Randy Malayao, Kennedy Mangibang, Eduardo Genelsa, and Ariel Arbitrario – tagged by the Philippine military as regional commanders of the New People’s Army (NPA) – are joining the peace negotiations that government aims to complete within a year. 

Bocala, who was tagged by the military as the leader of Panay Island Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines, called for the release of other political prisoners. He echoed the statements of the National Democratic Front leadership during the opening ceremonies on Monday, August 22.  

“Nagpapasalamat kami na ‘yung part ng ‘pinangako niya (Presidente Rodrigo Duterte) ay napatupad niya. Pero siyempre meron pang ibang bahagi, gaya ng pagpalaya ng lahat ng mga bilanggong politikal. Isa riyan ang isyu na ita-tackle namin sa usapan,” she said.  

(We are thankful that [President Duterte] fulfilled a part of his promise. But, of course, there are other things, such as the release of other political prisoners. It is one of the issues we need to tackle.)

Alfredo Mapano, alleged former head of the Communist Party in Northern Mindanao, was temporarily released after 7 years in prison after his arrest in Cagayan de Oro in 2009. 

“I am very happy. I spent the longest time in prison. A lot of people are very happy – may family, my friends, religious groups, and the media. They finally had pity on me,” Mapano told Rappler in Filipino.

“It shouldn’t be that hard because Duterte wants what we want. I think there will be significant developments,” he added. 

It was an “electric” reunion when the 6 joined the panels that are already in the middle of negotiations, according to members of the government panel. 

The panel agreed on the first 3 tasks on Tuesday’s agenda:

• Affirmation of previously-signed agreements
• Accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks: socio-economic reforms; political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces
• Reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list.

They will hold committee level meetings the rest of Tuesday. – Rappler.com