The peace agreement signed between the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade and the government almost six years ago in Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, is still on, contrary to reports that it was set aside after the resignation of Teresita Quintos-Deles as presidential adviser for peace process.

As proof of this, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday turned over a P2.1 million check to the RPA-ABB Foundation represented by Veronica Tabara, wife of slain breakaway communist rebel faction leader Arturo Tabara, at the Convention Plaza Hotel in Bacolod City. Arroyo said this is part of the continuing commitment of the government to the pursuit of peace with the RPA-ABB.

Police records show that within two years several top RPA leaders, including Tabara, Daniel Batoy, alias Mokong and Rogelio Magbato, alias Ka Malvar, died through summary executions, responsibility for which was claimed by the New People's Army.

Presidential Adviser for Peace Process Jesus Dureza yesterday said the P2.1 million livelihood support fund forms part of the P500 million package stipulated in the provisions of the peace agreement signed between the RPA-ABB and government in 2000. Twenty-five of the 100 poorest of the poor barangays across the country where families of the RPA-ABB are living, are recipients of the P500 million package under the peace agreement.

Arroyo also announced that she has approved P100 million for use in the construction of farm-to-market roads in remote barangays confronted by peace and order problem.

Another P100 million will be allocated to small water impounding projects and rehabilitation of irrigation systems in those barangays, Arroyo said.

Mrs. Arroyo also asked local governments to provide a counterpart to national funding in working for peace and development in the upland areas. Dureza said the government is not closing its door to the resumption of peace talks with the NDF.

The peace talks between the government and NDF, that started in 1987 during the incumbency of President Corazon Aquino and had dragged for almost 19 years, was stalled anew by the tagging of New People's Army by the United States and European Union as terrorist.*GPB

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