Philippines frees 10 political prisoners ahead of talks

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

President Rodrigo Duterte has granted a conditional pardon to ten political prisoners ahead of peace talks expected to resume next month.

The presidential office released on Friday the documents signed by Duterte on June 28, granting “conditional pardon” to inmates, who are consultants of the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

The prisoners were convicted of theft, kidnapping for ransom and murder. One of the prisoners was charged with rebellion.

As per conditions set for the release, the inmates would have to avoid “injurious or vicious habits”, allow police to visit them for inquiries on their conduct and they cannot change their residence during the period of parole without obtaining consent from authorities.

A left-leaning lawmaker hailed the government’s move as a "very positive gesture".

"This bodes well for the continuation of the peace negotiations," Carlos Isagani Zarate was quoted by GMA News as saying.

“We reiterate our call for the release of all political prisoners as a matter of justice and for resolution of the root causes of the five-decade old rebellion in our country," Zarate added.

Zarate also expressed hope that the fifth round of talks on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms would push through, completed and signed.

Government temporarily withdrew from the negotiating table in late May after Communist Party of the Philippines issued directive to its armed wing -- New People’s Army -- to intensify its offensive operations against the military when Duterte placed the entire island of Mindanao under martial law.