The armed conflict between the Philippine Government and the communist movement (Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP); National People’s Army (NPA); National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)) has lasted for more than 50 years. The parties have repeatedly tried to negotiate peace. Social and economic inequality is one of the driving factors behind the armed communist uprising. More than 40 000 lives are estimated to have been lost during the conflict.

Norway has acted as facilitator of the negotiations since 2001. Since then, Norway has played an active role in the process, and several rounds of negotiations and confidential talks have been held in Oslo and other cities. The negotiations have broken down a number of times, reflecting the complexities involved in addressing deep-seated problems in a tense political landscape. Despite the challenges, both parties have acknowledged the need for a negotiated political settlement to end the armed conflict and achieve lasting peace in the Philippines.

The last round of formal talks was cut short by the then President in November 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict reached a historic low point, and the prospects of resuming negotiations remained uncertain.

New hope

During the course of 2022 and 2023, Norway facilitated confidential talks between the parties. A breakthrough was achieved in November 2023 when the parties agreed on a shared vision for peace, paving the way for formal negotiations to begin. The agreement was signed at Oslo City Hall on 23 November 2023.

In the time ahead, Norway will continue to act as facilitator and assist the parties with the negotiations.  

Bilde av delegasjonen foran bilde av Munch i rådhuset
The signing of a joint vision for peace in Oslo City Hall on 23 November 2023. Credit: Mathias Rongved/Norway Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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The peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)

In 2014, the Philippine Government and the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao signed a peace agreement, which led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2019. Disarmament and the reintegration of former soldiers into civilian society have been vital to ensuring lasting peace. The decommissioning process began in 2019. Norway has played a pivotal role in the Independent Decommissioning Body in Mindanao, which was set up to oversee the decommissioning of MILF in Mindanao. To date, 25 000 of the 40 000 former combatants have been demobilised, with 15 000 still remaining.