The document presents a national perspective on the peace process and national security, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution and well-being for all citizens. The government aims to achieve a negotiated settlement of armed conflicts while focusing on security sector reform and good governance as pillars of national security policy. It highlights ongoing negotiations and strategies to bolster internal stability and development, amidst challenges such as corruption and law enforcement issues.

1. National Perspective on Peace Process and National SecurityA Presentation bySecretary Teresita Quintos-DelesPresidential Adviser on the Peace Process

2. Two-Part PresentationWinning the PeaceEnsuring National Security

3. Presentation OutlinePolicy Framework and Substantive DirectionsUpdatesIssues and Challenges

4. The administration will have to pick up the pieces and resume the quest for peace with vigor and clarity of purpose. Our quest must not only focus on ensuring the stability of the state and the security of our nation. Our ultimate goal must be the safety and well being of our people.We must revive the peace process on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of the conflict, under clear policies that pave and clear the way ahead, and driven by a genuine desire to attain a just and lasting peace.

5. We shall endeavour to restore confidence in a peace process that is transparent and participatory, and renew our faith in our shared vision of a peaceful, secure and prosperous future under one sovereign flag.- President Benigno S. Aquino III

6. WINNING THE PEACEPromotion of the peace process shall be the centerpiece of the internal security program as a testament to a government’s commitment to a policy of peace, reconciliation, and reunification. Peace is not just the absence of war or conflict, but it is the sum total of the conditions that ensure human and social well-being in all dimensions. This entails the winning of hearts and minds of the aggrieved and the afflicted while retaining the allegiance of the rest.

7. GOALSWhile the government’s aim is to win the peace, the goal for the medium term is to bring all armed conflict to a permanent and peaceful closure.

8. OBJECTIVESNegotiated political settlement of armed conflicts; andCauses of armed conflict and other issues that affect the peace process effectively addressed

9. SPECIFIC STRATEGIESTrack 1: Negotiated political settlement of all armed conflictsTrack 2: Complementary tracks

10. Track 1: Negotiated political settlement of all armed conflictsResume and complete negotiations with MILF and CPP/NPA/NDFComplete implementation of signed final peace agreements with the MNLF and CPLAClosure of the peace tracks with RPMP/RPA/ABB

11. Track 1: Negotiated political settlement of all armed conflictsFinal DDR of the abovementioned armed groups through effective and appropriate intervention programsEstablishment of mechanisms towards a participatory and accountable peace process

12. Track 2: Complementary TrackFocused development in conflict-affected areas through PAMANASettlement of long standing disputes over land and resourcesIP AgendaAffirmative action agenda for MuslimsEnhancement of ARMM governanceImplementation of UNSC 1325 compliance

13. Track 2: Complementary TrackChildren in situations of armed conflictEnd impunity and extra-judicial killingsSecurity sector reform

14. Updates: Track OneNegotiations with MILF 20th formal exploratory meeting of the parties resumed 13 January 2011, since the impasse in 2008Panel: Dean MarvicLeonen (Chair), Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, former Secretary SenenBacani, Vice Mayor Ramon Piang

15. Updates: Track OneNegotiations wiith CPP/NPA/NDFFormal negotiations resumed in Oslo from 15 to 21 February 2011, since the impasse in 2006Panel: Alex Padilla (Chair), EdnarDayanghirang, JurgetteHonculada, PablitoSanidad, Ma. Lourdes Tison

16. Updates: Track OneCompletion of signed implementation with MNLF4th Session of the Tripartite Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 22-23 February 2011 leading to the agreement to move BDAF forward and to initiate the agreed mechanisms and processes for resolving three remaining issues with no common ground

17. Updates: Track OneCompletion of signed implementation with CPLA and RPMP-RPA-ABBReached agreements on principles with details on final closure plan which includes development intervention and the disposition of arms and forces

18. Updates: Track TwoPAMANA: 2011 road mapping covering 7 conflict areas and institutional arrangements being finalized; launching on the ground by March-AprilIP Agenda: full IPRA implementation, starting with reconstitution of leadership/reorganization to be completed by MarchAffirmative action agenda for Muslims: resolution of NCMF leadership issue, initial focus on Hajj management reformEnhancement of ARMM governance: prosecution of Ampatuan massacre case; DILG measures which include: (a) team up with COA for special audit of ARMM, (b) enforcement of LGU’s full disclosure of budget and finances through website postings/print media, media, (c) enforcement of disciplinary actions on absentee local officials; postponement of elections

19. Updates: Track TwoImplementation of UNSC 1325 compliance: strategic implementation of the National Action Plan (joined with Magna Carta on Women)Children in situations of armed conflict: setting up of desk in AFP HR office; preparation for the visit of SRSG toward removal of Philippines from the black listEnd impunity and extra-judicial killings: adoption/implementation of HR-based AFP intelligence handbook; DOJ case file on EJE

20. Some Issues and ChallengesTimeframe: to reach agreements by midterm so that the remaining term can be devoted for implementation; to not turnover unfinished businesses to the next administrationAccelerating processes while avoiding short-cuts: reach common understanding in less ambiguous terms; finally ask the hard questions; insulating substantive agendaBalancing transparency and confidentiality

21. Some Issues and ChallengesSplinters and internal contestationMechanisms for “sufficient consensus”: How participatory is participatory? What is the operational meaning of ‘consensus’?DDR: lawless elements and loose weaponsAccelerating post-conflict developmentCitizens-based mechanisms for monitoring / constant accompaniment of unfolding processes

22. Ensuring National SecurityP.Noyclearly defined national security as not only focused on ensuring stability of the state and the security of our nation but more importantly on the ultimate goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of our people.

23. Policy Framework & Substantial DirectionsApart from the peace process, the government shall create and sustain an enabling environment conducive to development. This will be done involving whole government, institutions, and the entire citizenry to address national integrity, public order and safety, and governance reforms. It is hoped that these mutually-enforcing strategies shall secure internal and external peace that will contribute to development efforts of the government and ensure that Filipinos will be able to take part in the process of economic growth and development.

24. Four Pillars of National Security PolicyGood governance Delivery of basic servicesEconomic reconstruction and sustainable development of MindanaoSecurity sector reform

25. GOALThe government shall ensure that the Filipino national community’s welfare, way of life, institutions, territorial integrity and sovereignty are protected.

26. OBJECTIVESInternal stability promoted and sustained.Full sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state protected.Security sector reform carried out.

27. Strategies to Achieve Internal StabilityReduce capabilities of armed groups not within negotiated political settlement processesContinued and intensified police operations to address criminality

28. Strategies to Protect National SovereigntySustain and cultivate international relations and external securityEnhance capability to respond to either manmade or natural non-traditional security concerns

29. Strategies to Carry Out Security Sector ReformPursue reforms in the security sector throughStrengthening civilian control and oversight of the security sector

30. Professionalizing security forces

31. Strengthening internal security systems

32. Strengthening the rule of law throughout the countryStrategies to Carry Out Security Sector ReformProfessionalization of security forces through adherence on the principle of Democratic Control of the AFP and the PNP

33. UPDATESAppointments by P.Noy underscore a commitment to SSR and Human RightsCabinet security cluster now chaired by DILGDOJ Secretary formerly the Chair of CHR The current Chair of CHR is Etta RosalesPanel Chairs are both HR lawyers

34. UPDATESAFP has a peace office designated to constantly communicate and coordinate with OPAPPAFP includes desk to focus on issues on children in armed conflictsGovernment panels go on the ground to dialogue with our troops, and vice versa

35. SOME ISSUES AND CHALLENGESInvestigation into corruption (pabaon system)involving the highest officials of the AFPDisentangling law enforcement and peace process; family ties and law enforcement Reality of terrorismCivilian/democratic oversightImpact of peacekeeping capacity in AFPWinning the hearts of ordinary soldiers

36. CONCLUSIONThe prospect for peace has never been this good. It is better than it has ever been. There is hope because of the political climate and the and new political leadership. But peace process still littered with land mines.Let’s not waste the moment.All hands on deck!