A Public Lecture on Peace in the Philippines: Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma

A protracted conflict in the Philippines between the Government of the Republic of Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has its roots in structural poverty in particular in the southern areas where a small number of large landholders dominate with plantation economy. Against this backdrop, the CPP with its armed wing, National People’s Army (NPA), wages an armed struggle for a revolution and social reform.

 

The CPP’s front organization, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP,) has engaged in talks with the GRP, and after President Rodrigo Duterte took office, the talks advanced powerfully, creating expectations about peace. However, the talks were halted in 2018, and a round-up, killings and military operations began against NDFP activists, social movement activists, human rights activists, and so on.

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) calls for resumption of peace talks between the GRP and NDFP and also for solutions to the root causes of the conflict, that are land issues and poverty. Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma is a co-chair person of the PEPP is active on the frontline of the peace movement. Archbishop Ledesma will talk about root causes of the conflict, the problem of dire poverty, impact of the armed conflict and prospect of peace.

Towards the end of 2018, a glimpse of hope suddenly appeared when possibility of resuming peace talks was announced. President Duterte had back channel communications with the CPP leadership, and now he suggests to restart talks. Meanwhile the military crackdown continues. Whether the peace talks can be resumed or not is yet to be seen.

Antonio J. Ledesma was Born in Iloilo City in 1943. After entering the Society of Jesus, he was ordained as priest in 1973. He was appointed as Coadjutor Prelate of Ipil in 1996, and was installed as Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro in 2006. He has been the Apostolic Administrator of Butuan Diocese since 2017.

The PEPP is an ecumenical peace movement established with support of the Norwegian Ecumenical Peace Platform. The Royal Norwegian Government is the facilitator of peace talks between the GRP and the NDFP. Please see the PEPP Facebook page.

The SSI is a think tank established by the Osaka University with the key concept of Protect Nurture Bond Life. It conducts research to seek solutions to the social issues. This event is held as part of the SSI’s one of the core projects, Facilitating Dialogue for Peace and Co-existence. For further information, please visit the website of the SSI