THE recent arrest of Porferio Tuna Jr., a high-ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), has reignited debates on the longstanding insurgency and the manipulation of peace talks by the communist group.

Key stakeholders and former members of the movement are clled for a re-evaluation of the peace negotiations to prevent further exploitation.

During an online press conference led by the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), former CPP leaders discussed how the CPP-NPA-NDF has consistently used peace talks to serve its own strategic objectives, rather than to genuinely pursue reconciliation. The criticism came on the heels of Tuna's arrest, a regional commander in Southern Mindanao, for various crimes, including murder and kidnapping.

Noel Legaspi, a former deputy secretary and spokesman of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), revealed that the organization has historically misused negotiations to gain tactical advantages.

One of the most glaring examples, he said, was their manipulation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig). Jasig was intended to protect peace negotiators on both sides by granting them immunity from arrest, but, according to Legaspi, the CPP exploited it by using fake identities for its leaders, shielding them from legal accountability.

The CPP, he added, stored code names in a deposit box in the Netherlands, which allowed them to deny involvement in criminal activity if any of their operatives were arrested.

This maneuver provided the CPP-NPA-NDF with an operational advantage, frustrating government efforts to hold key leaders accountable.

"The government has now mandated the use of real names in negotiations, preventing this manipulation," Legaspi explained.

Legaspi said that the CPP used these negotiations to build an image of themselves internationally as peace-loving advocates.

"Their international solidarity work is strong because they project themselves as victims of government oppression," he said.

Another former CPP leader, Arianne Jane Ramos, also known as "Ka Marikit," echoed Legaspi's sentiments. Ramos, a former chairman of Gabriela Youth at UP Mindanao, confirmed that CPP leaders were often insincere in their approach to peace talks. According to her, high-ranking cadres, disguised as consultants, used the negotiations as a means to secure temporary freedom, regroup, and plan further insurgency efforts.

Ramos pointed to Tuna as an example, citing his manipulation of the legal system to avoid incarceration. After being released on bail in 2016 to participate in peace talks, Tuna jumped bail and returned to the underground movement once the negotiations concluded. "He was not there to negotiate sincerely; he used his position to bide time," she said.

Tuna, also known as "Ka Ampong" or "Ka Simon Santiago," was an influential figure in the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the CPP-NPA. His re-arrest in Tagum City by the 10th Infantry Division underscored the importance of tracking down senior insurgent leaders, especially those who have previously manipulated legal mechanisms for their advantage.

In light of these revelations, former rebels and government officials are advocating for a fresh approach to peace negotiations. They said that the previous frameworks, such as Jasig, have been too easily exploited by the CPP-NPA-NDF. Legaspi and Ramos both recommended starting from scratch with new mechanisms that are focused on genuine political settlements, rather than providing avenues for insurgent leaders to escape accountability.

"To avoid past mistakes, it's crucial not to simply reopen past agreements. We need a brand-new approach that prevents the CPP-NPA-NDF from exploiting the peace process," said Legaspi.

The government also acknowledged the need for a reset. NTF-Elcac Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. said that any future peace talks must prioritize lasting peace and accountability, rather than serving as a tool for the CPP to secure the release of its incarcerated leaders.

The timing of these developments is significant, as the CPP-NPA's influence is waning. According to military data, only five active guerilla fronts remain, signaling a drastic reduction in the group's operational capacity.

"Their entry into peace talks now is not from a position of strength, but perhaps an attempt to recover," said Legaspi.