COMMUNIST rebels in the Philippines have agreed to peace talks to end 50 years of war, Norwegian mediators announced today.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, which adopts Maoist ideology, and its New People’s Army have been battling the government since 1969 in a conflict which has claimed tens of thousands of lives. 

Previous talks aimed at ending the insurgency were called off by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2019.

The New People’s Army maintains that its overall goal is communist revolution, but is promoting more modest demands including an end to the Philippines’ close military alliance with the United States and a government including left forces.

A joint statement by the National Democratic Front, a group representing the rebels, and the government recognised “the need to unite as a nation” and to resume negotiations for “a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict.

“We envision and look forward to a country where a united people can live in peace and prosperity.”