OSLO, Norway — The National Democratic Front of the Philippines announced a new chief negotiator on Wednesday evening just hours before the start of the scheduled talks here in Oslo.

Fidel Agcaoili, former vice chair of the NDFP peace panel, is replacing peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni.

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The NDFP explained that it was the result of the granting of Jalandoni’s request to resign from the chairmanship of the panel.

The NDFP explained that it was the result of the granting of Jalandoni’s request to resign from the chairmanship of the panel.

“The national leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines has granted the long-standing request of Comrade Luis G. Jalandoni to resign as the Chairperson of the NDFP negotiating panel,” the NDFP said in a statement.

With his resignation as chair, Jalandoni will still be closely involved in the peace process as a senior adviser for the NDF panel like Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison.

“I have been asking to resign since 11 years ago. I am 81 now. It’s time for younger ones to take over the function of chairmanship,” Jalandoni said.

Jalandoni expressed his gratitude that he was able to serve as chair since the creation of the peace panel in 1992.

A former priest, Jalandoni has been in the movement for decades and is married to Coni Ledesma who is also a member of the panel.

“I am 81 now. It’s time for younger ones to take over the function of chairmanship,” Jalandoni said.

Jalandoni said that his pending request to pass on the chairmanship was postponed by equal requests for him to continue serving.

“I was requested to continue serving but now I think this is a very opportune time,” Jalandoni said citing high expectations and big potentials in the talks with the present government.

Meanwhile, the composition of the panel, which has been unchanged since 1992, will have a new member– the recently released political prisoner Benito Tiamzon.

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“It’s a good time to set aside and have Fidel serve as the chairperson. I am glad that Benito Tiamzon will be giving more strength to the panel with his wide experience and also his deep commitment,” Jalandoni said.

While changes in the composition of the peace panel may present challenges, Agcaoili expressed that the present situation of the negotiations is offering more opportunities.

“There are many favorable opportunities. There is the political will of President Duterte and the political will of the movement to arrive at agreements and to bring out reforms,” Agcaoili said.

And the main challenge for him, Agcaoili said, is “to get the government to accept the needed the reforms that must be done.”

“The role of Luis is very challenging. I find it difficult to take over the role but I will do my best,” Agcaoili said.

The NDFP asserted that despite Jalandoni’s resignation the panel will continue to be as one explaining that the people’s movement is guided by collective leadership.

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