The temporary release of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines, highlights President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s earnest desire for an enduring and sustainable peace through formal peace accords.
This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya in a statement Friday.
“The release of spouses Tiamzon was with leave of court and for the purpose of attending and participating in the formal peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway in August 2016,” he added.
The couple left the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City around 11: 30 a.m. Friday.
The two will fly to Oslo, Norway as part of the working groups in the peace negotiations with the Government of the Philippines and National Democratic Front.
“And the AFP submit to the wise discretion of the Court and support the magnanimous gesture of the President all in the quest for peace,” Visaya added.
The Oslo peace talks is scheduled to start this Aug. 20.
“Time and again, the AFP has been supportive of all peace efforts and covenants that will afford our people the opportunity to enjoy secured, prosperous, and peaceful lives –free from threat, fear, and want,” he stressed.
Benito and Wilma were arrested by AFP and PNP personnel in Barangay Zaragoza in Aloguinsan, Cebu last March 22, 2014.
The couple was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for their crimes against humanity that include murder, multiple murders, and frustrated murder. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)
