What's On & Expat - Philippines

ESTEBAN CONEJOS, JR
Filipino
Undersecretary
Department of Foreign Affairs

     Mr Sison was arrested because he was charged with a crime. And the case is now pending before the courts and I think we should let the judicial process of the Netherlands take its natural course.

HATIMIL HASSAN
Filipino
Vice chairperson
Moro National Liberation Front

     This can affect the peace process between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). At the same time, if they are thinking of military solutions to the problem, this will not solve the problem because the New Peoples’ Army has been there for 40 years and the only solution is, of course, negotiation and Sison has to be part of this negotiation. I hope the government will change its policies and talk with the NDF and the CCP. It’s an impediment to the talks because definitely how can they talk if they kill somebody. The government wanted to talk in the latter part of June and early July when they sent two ministers to Norway to talk to the leadership of the NDF. But not waiting for the talk to progress, they had Sison arrested. [The Dutch government arrested ] but all the evidence comes from the Philippine government. The Philippine government could have prevented this one if they are very serious about talking peace with the NDF.

RICHARD OSTROWSKI
American
Executive Vice President
Concept One

     I think if he was involved even in the past and it was considered criminal or illegal activities then he should be held responsible for his actions. I find it interesting though, on a personal note, that they are catching him for what I call the world wide net and bringing him to justice. It’s rather interesting that the US already has also offered to be involved in the process too. It’s very interesting. There’s a lot more behind this whole story than I think we all know. It’s fascinating stuff, almost like James Bond.
 

HERMOGENES ESPERON
Filipino
Chief of Staff
Armed Forces of the Philippines  

     The long arm of justice has caught up with him. I hope he gets the due process unlike his victims. They [Romulo Kintanar and Arturo Tabara] did not get their day in court. He is very lucky.

RENATO REYES
Filipino
Secretary General
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)

     We believe the arrest of Joma [Jose Maria Sison] is politically motivated. The charges and allegations were already discredited by the Philippine Supreme Court. We fear that the arrest will lead to the termination of the peace process and the continuation of an all out war. The arrest will have a negative impact on the peace process and hopes for lasting peace.