26 March 2020

ANTONIO GUTERRES

United Nations Secretary-General

UN Headquarters

Dear Mr. Secretary-General:

Greetings!

In behalf of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), which represents 18 revolutionary organizations in the Philippines including the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), we express our deep appreciation for your statement acknowledging the declaration of temporary ceasefire by the CPP with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), in response to your call for a global ceasefire to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we have publicly manifested before, the revolutionary movement in the Philippines through the People’s Democratic Government in the municipalities, villages, communities and work places under its governance, has responded swiftly to the threat of Covid-19 and taken measures to ensure the people’s health, well-being and welfare.

We have also demonstrated time and again our willingness and sincerity to return to the negotiating table with the GRP to resume the peace talks and to find a long-lasting solution to the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines.

And even as the GRP has unilaterally suspended the peace talks, we have continued to address the people’s concerns for meaningful social and economic reforms within our jurisdiction, capability and circumstances.

Rest assured that our revolutionary forces will remain in the frontlines, alongside our doctors, nurses, health workers and personnel, in the war against Covid-19 for the benefit of the Filipino people.

Wishing you the very best,

Fidel V. Agcaoili

Chairperson

NDFP Negotiating Panel