The Philippine government remains open to resuming peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), provided both sides genuinely seek lasting peace without hidden motives, according to Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, July 31, Sarmiento stressed that the Marcos administration continues to prioritize peace efforts even while handling ground operations against the insurgency.
“Government has always been open to dialogue with anyone. The intention of government has never been in question because it is sincere,” he said.
Sarmiento emphasized that successful negotiations require shared intentions focused on addressing root societal issues rather than tactical gains.
“If the objective is to achieve peace, then those talking to government should be just as sincere. There should be no hidden agenda. Both sides should have the same agenda, which is to achieve genuine peace and focus on fighting only one enemy, poverty,” he added.
When asked if he shares the President’s optimism about reaching a peace deal before the term ends, Sarmiento pointed to tangible on-the-ground progress in former conflict areas, drawing from his background as a former DILG secretary and mayor.
“When I go around the country, I do not rely only on data. I used to be DILG secretary and a local chief executive. I like talking to people. When I was mayor, I would sleep anywhere, walk eight to 10 hours through the mountains and stay in small bamboo houses,” he noted.
He highlighted that residents in these communities now prioritize development services over security concerns due to improved safety conditions.
”What matters to me is whether people actually feel the change. They tell me places that used to be troubled are now peaceful. What they ask for now are roads and bridges. They feel that local governments are now working for them,” Sarmiento said.
He attributed this shift to better coordination between security forces and local authorities, which cleared safety hazards in previously unreachable areas.
“With the help of the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police, local officials can now reach communities they could not enter before because the fear brought by security threats is gone,” he added.
While acknowledging that remnants of the insurgency remain, Sarmiento noted their numbers have significantly declined, with former rebels continuing to surrender.
He reaffirmed the success of localized peace engagement, a strategy anchored in Executive Order No. 70, the 1987 Constitution, and the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers local government units (LGUs) to lead peace and order efforts.
“In reality, when the Local Government Code took effect in 1992, this became the responsibility of governors and mayors. It is no longer something that should be left to the President alone,” Sarmiento explained.
He noted that local executives are uniquely positioned to advance peace alongside community development.
“Some say peace must come before development. Others say development should come first. That cannot be the case. They should happen together,” he said.
Sarmiento added that local leaders often have an easier time convincing rebels to lay down their arms due to existing community ties.
“If they want to surrender, they are sometimes afraid to approach uniformed personnel because of things they have heard. But when they talk to their local leaders, governors or mayors, they become convinced. It has been very effective,” he said.
To sustain peace in cleared areas, the government continues to supply infrastructure and basic services, supported by civil society organizations that actively encourage remaining rebels to reintegrate into civilian life.