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Fr. Salas added that the peace talks are proceeding at a snail's pace because the Aquino government is showing a lack of political initiative, and because militarists and fascists are working behind the scene to push “counterinsurgency” scheme Oplan Bayanihan. “While the Aquino government has committed to releasing the NDFP peace consultants and other political prisoners, not a single one has been released and the military is monopolizing the say-so by insisting the political prisoners have to go through the gauntlet of the judicial process. That is the reality, even though Noynoy Aquino can cut to the chase by ordering the release of political prisoners through executive fiat, as his mother Cory Aquino did in 1986 in ordering the release of Jose Ma. Sison and others imprisoned by the Marcos dictatorship. It seems the militarists and fascists are making all the decisions because they want to wage total war against the revolutionary movement through Oplan Bayanihan.”
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The NDF-EV spokesperson advised Gov. Nicart to support the peace talks and help frustrate the militarists and fascists. “Gov. Nicart can help further the cause of peace by expressing support for the release of all political prisoners and other human rights issues. He can support the people in opposing Oplan Bayanihan as well as human rights violations caused by militarization in Eastern Samar. He can support the people's demands for socio-economic reforms such as opposing large-scale mining and logging in the province. By listening to the people and supporting their grievances, Gov. Nicart can make positive contributions to addressing the root causes of the armed conflict, continuing the peace talks, and paving the way for a just and lasting peace.”#
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NDF-EV urges Gov. Nicart to support the peace talks at the national level