Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform

As Christians all over the world celebrate the advent of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace who came so that all may have abundant life (John 10:10), the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP)*, the largest ecumenical formation of church leaders in the country, reiterate our call for the resumption of the formal peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in accordance with their prior bilateral agreements.

The formal talks between the two sides have not resumed since February. We call on both sides to find remedies to the obstacles they face in pursuing the peace negotiations. Both sides should “...take heart and not erode the bridges built through the years” (Transcend the Present Impasse and Continue to Bridge the Peace: Resume the Formal Talks Now, PEPP Statement, October 20, 2011). We also anticipate the traditional declaration by both GPH and NDFP of a unilateral ceasefire in observance of the Christmas Season ... More

“They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14)

It is not an overstatement to say that faith communities expressed jubilation at the resumption of the formal peace talks. More elation and renewed hopes followed soon after the Government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines panels issued their joint statement in February. The road was clear for more rounds of talks ahead. Or so it seemed. ... More

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), the broadest ecumenical formation of church leaders advocating for the formal peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), is alarmed over recent pronouncements of both sides that may not auger well for the continuation of the formal peace talks.

After the spark of hope that was brought about by the GPH-NDFP formal peace talks last February, which produced the February 21, 2011 Oslo Joint Statement, the recent pronouncements to the media from both GPH Peace Panel Chair Atty. Alex Padilla and NDFP Peace Panel Spokesperson Fidel Agcaolli, bodes for another postponement of the formal talks. The talks was postponed already last June and we feel that another postponement may truly derail the peace negotiations. ... More

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) composed of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines,  the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches, the Ecumenical Bishops Forum, and the Association of Major Religious Superiors (Men & Women) in the Philippines deplore the tragic incidents in Oslo that claimed the lives of at least ninety-four (94) and the wounding of others.  We are especially saddened that most of the victims were young people.

We reach out to the bereaved.  May they find strength to meet the days ahead.  We reach out to the people of Norway at this time of national grief and mourning.  The killing of people anywhere is an act of violence against God’s creation everywhere.  May justice be rendered. ... More

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), the largest ecumenical formation of church leaders in the Philippines, is apprehensive over the news that the second round of the formal peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), may not take place in June, as scheduled, following an impasse. This douses the jubilation we had following the successful resumption of the formal peace talks on February 15-21, 2011. ... More

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), the largest ecumenical formation of church leaders in the country, congratulates the Negotiating  Panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) for successfully concluding the first round of formal peace talks , with the help of the third party facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government,. ... More

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) a group composed of the country’s major Christian bodies, welcomed the announcement yesterday made by Secretary Teresita Deles, Presidential Adviser on the peace process, that the government had reconstituted its panel for the resumption of  talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). ... More

After a long period of suspension, we urge both panels to recognize the high expectations of our people to see them sitting in the negotiating table and attaining new agreements that can have immediate as well as long-term benefits for the people’s welfare.

We believe that the mandate received by Your Excellency in the May 2010 elections, and the high popularity ratings you enjoy at the moment, are a manifestation of the people’s desire and expectation for an administration that departs from militarism to one that is committed to a just and lasting peace. Our people expect highly of Your Excellency to show genuine benevolence and to reach out to the NDFP in the interest of peace for our people and nation. ... More

We are church leaders and workers representing eight (8) different church denominations and members of three (3) academic institutions in Negros. We are gathered in Dumaguete City under the auspices of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP), and call for the immediate resumption of the Peace Talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). ... More

An ecumenical group on the peace talks urge the Aquino government to resume the stalled peace talks with the National Democratic Front, and to address the issue of human rights violations still raging in the country.

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) held a forum Thursday with 50 church leaders from different denominations and congregations, and lay workers, to discuss the prospects of the peace talks and the mission of the Church in peacebuilding. ... More