Philippines Nears Conclusion of Peace Deal with CBA-CPLA Group

The Philippine government is nearing the formal and substantial conclusion of its peace process with the Cordillera Bodong Administration–Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), with both parties preparing to sign a completion document, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). In a press release, OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento delivered his report in his first 100 days in office and recounted the agency's progress in fulfilling its decades-long peace commitments. “The President announced in his most recent State of the Nation Address that the stage is now set to bring the government’s historic peace process with the CBA-CPLA to its formal and meaningful conclusion after 15 years,” Sarmiento said. “The Cordillera Peace Process is recognized as an exemplary model of genuine commitment and transparency in peacebuilding,” he added. OPAPRU stated that the document set to be signed “will officially declare the peace process completed to serve as the final record of implementation, and transition both parties from implementing agreements to sustaining lasting peace and development in the Cordillera.” According to Sarmiento, finalizing the peace agreement with the CBA-CPLA is expected to foster a stronger, more resilient, and unified Cordillera. The CBA-CPLA is a former faction of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). Led by Fr. Conrado Balweg, the faction split from the communist movement to focus on the Cordillera people’s right to self-determination and the preservation of their traditional culture and customs. With the support of tribal elders, the CBA, Balweg formed the CPLA. In 1986, the government and the group entered into the Mt Data Peace Accord, which established an initial ceasefire. This was followed by a Memorandum of Agreement in 2011 outlining key commitments for both parties. Through a Substantial Compliance Agreement signed in June, the Philippine government and the CPLA formally recognized the substantial fulfillment of each party’s commitments under the 2011 agreement, shifting remaining activities toward sustaining long-term peace.—Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News