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Leftist rebel leaders in Philippines released for resumption of peace talks

Xinhua, August 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

Top leaders of a Philippine leftist rebel group were released Friday from detention so that they can participate in the resumption of the peace talks next week in Oslo, Norway.

Edre Olalia, peace panel legal consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), said the couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon finally walked free.

"They will join 14 others so far released in peace talks in Oslo and for consultations with NDF Negotiating Panel," he said in his post on Facebook.

The Tiamzons were released from the Philippine National Police Custodial Center before noon after posting bail.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, who will lead the government delegation in the formal peace talks in Oslo starting August 22, has said that the participation of the Tiamzons in the peace talks "ensures an inclusive outcome, hopefully to end conflict and bring about comprehensive and sustainable peace throughout the land."

The Tiamzon couple were arrested in central province of Cebu in March 2014 for murder, multiple murder, and frustrated murder charges.

Benito is the chairman of the CPP, while his wife Wilma is the secretary-general.

The CPP-NPA-NDF is waging Asia's longest running insurgency since the 1960s.

The formal peace talks between the government and the leftist rebel group bogged down in 2011 during the Aquino administration. Endit