GOVERNMENT REMAINS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE TO PEACE WITH GIBO’S REFUSAL FOR PEACE TALKS

Student Christian Movement of the Philippines – SCMP
May 5, 2026

The SCMP scorns the statement of Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro on the refusal towards peace negotiations with the belligerent CPP-NPA-NDF.

Especially with Gibo’s statement, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines continues to be the biggest obstacle to peace through these reasons:

  1. Refusal for national peace negotiations based on addressing socio-economic concerns and turning into militarized means.
  2. De facto martial law which has caused wanton human rights violations by the Philippine army not only in the Toboso, Negros Occidental massacre but also through, but not limited to, 135 extrajudicial killings, 826 illegal arrests, 57,000 victims of indiscriminate firing, 577 forced or fake surrenders (from Jul 2022-Dec 2025), and many others.
  3. Copying United States’ counter-insurgency through successive “Oplans” including its current reiteration, the NAP-UPD.
  4. Subservient to US’s geopolitical interests, militarization of the region, and heightening the atmosphere of inter-imperialist war.
  5. Continuation of destructive and exploitative economy that benefits foreigners and ruling classes and use of military and police to protect these interests. It is worthy to note that Gibo Teodoro served as Chairman of the Board of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), exploiting the mountains in South Cotabato.
  6. Milking “localized peace talks” as cashcows for corruption through fake surrenderees and other rackets by military generals.
  7. Unsolved worsening crises like that of corruption, exorbitant prices, worsening gap between the rich and the poor, and other manifestations of bureaucrat-capitalism.

As prophets of today’s age, we must continue to assert our faith imperative to become peacemakers. These are the signs of the times (Mt. 16:1-3) that we must not ignore. If the government continues to ignore the writings on the wall, it is our duty to pray and act towards just and lasting peace.

Condemn the obstacles to just and lasting peace!

#Just Peace

Christian youth, struggle for just and lasting peace, #joinSCMP: bit.ly/joinSCMP