AFP backs Tiamzons’ release as means to pursue peace with Reds

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday expressed support for the release of Communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon as one of the means to advance the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front.

The Tiamzons, top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People's Army, were arrested in Cebu in March 2014. Benito was the chairman of the CPP while Wilma was its secretary-general.

"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," said Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office.

"This springs from the President and CinC Rodrigo Duterte's express desire to have an enduring and sustainable peace through formal peace accord. And the Armed Forces of the Philippines submit to the wise discretion of the Court and support the magnanimous gesture of the President all in the quest for peace," he added.

"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," Arevalo said.

The spouses were released from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center before noon on Friday after posting bail.

They exited through Gate 3 of Camp Crame in Quezon City, aboard a red car with an "8" plate number. This particular license plate is used by members of the House of Representatives.

At the main gate of Camp Crame, the vehicle carrying the Tiamzons stopped, allowing the couple to greet their supporters.

One supporter greeted Benito by saying, "Buhay pa!"

The Tiamzon couple also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for releasing them and allowing them to participate in the peace talks scheduled to begin in Oslo, Norway on August 22.

In a speech before supporters, Wilma said, "Nagpapasalamat kami kay Presidente Duterte na maibabalik sa tamang landas ang usapang pangkapayapaan. Kailangang mapaksa ang mga makabuluhang usapin sa ating lipunan at mga batayan kung bakit mayroong digmaan na nangyayari."

Benito, for his part, said, "Kami ay nagpapasalamat kay Presidente Rodrigo Duterte sa pagpapalaya sa amin at sa pagbubukas muli ng usapang pangkapayapaan para pag-usapan ang mga malalimang reporma sa lipunan, sa ekonomiya, sa pulitika na kinakailangang para bigyang wakas ang armadong labanan."

"Sa kabuuan, kami ay malaki ang tiwala na susulong at makakamit ang mga pagkakasundong pangkapayapaan para makamit ang mga repormang panlipunan. Alam namin na maraming hamon, sagka na kailangang igpawan para magtagumpay ng lubos ang usapang pangkapayapaan," he added. —NB, GMA News