MANILA (LiCAS News): Leaders from several Protestant denominations in the Philippines have renewed calls for the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines [NDFP] amid ongoing concerns over human rights and democratic freedoms. Their appeals come ahead of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on 21 September.
In a statement dated 17 September, the Council of Bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines [UCCP] called for “meaningful, inclusive, and sustained” talks with the NDFP. Separately, on September 21, the Ecumenical Bishops Forum [EBF] urged both sides to resume “formal, sincere, and meaningful” negotiations.
The UCCP warned of a “continuing hostile and violent impasse” causing suffering, displacement, and loss, especially amongst the poor and vulnerable.
They emphasised the need for dialogue, listening, and a search for peaceful solutions to the roots of the conflict.
Both groups urged all parties to lay down hostilities, protect civilians, uphold human rights, and return to negotiations.
They stressed that peace means addressing the root causes of conflict and creating pathways to justice and reconciliation, not ignoring injustice or excusing violence.
They stressed that peace means addressing the root causes of conflict and creating pathways to justice and reconciliation, not ignoring injustice or excusing violence
The EBF echoed concerns about continuing hostilities, saying the conflict affects poor communities, farmers, Indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable sectors.
“Genuine peace cannot be built upon fear, violence, or the suppression of legitimate grievances,” the EBF said.
It called for negotiations that address fundamental causes such as poverty, inequality, injustice, and lack of rights.
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The forum said, “We urge all parties to recommit to dialogue, respect human rights and international humanitarian law, and protect civilians.”
Both groups linked their appeals to the anniversary of Martial Law declared in 1972 under the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, father of the current president.
The UCCP bishops remembered victims of Martial Law and their families, saying, “We remember not to reopen wounds, but to prevent their repetition.”
“We remember not to reopen wounds, but to prevent their repetition. We remember so that truth may lead us toward healing, and healing toward peace anchored in justice,” they said.
They called for resistance to any revival of authoritarian rule, abuse of power, or violation of human rights.
The EBF cited ongoing threats such as human rights violations, red-tagging, political persecution, corruption, militarisation, impunity, and distortion of truth.
It emphasised that criticism of government is not treason, defending human rights is not terrorism, and organising for justice is not a crime.
The EBF also warned against fake news and historical revisionism, which can erase victims’ experiences and distort history.
“We cannot build a just future upon a falsified past,” it said.
The forum urged Churches to teach the truth about Martial Law, defend human rights and dignity, support victims, resist disinformation, and demand accountability.
“Our remembrance must become a continuing commitment,” the EBF said, adding that “’Never again’ must mean vigilance, truth, justice, and defence of human dignity.”
