Top Communist Party leaders freed on bail to join peace talks
Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, the alleged top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines were released on bail from detention at the national police headquarters to join the peace talks between leftist groups and the Philippine government this week in Oslo, Norway.
The Tiamzons walked out of the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at 11:30 am Friday. They have been detained since 2014 on charges of murder, multiple murder and frustrated murder.
“We thank President (Rodrigo) Duterte for bringing back the peace talks on the right track,” said Wilma Tiamzon in a brief statement to reporters. The peace talks have been stalled since February 2011.
Since August 15, 17 of 22 detailed consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines have been freed after being allowed to post bail. The NDF has been seeking for the release of over 550 “political detainees” nationwide.
Presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza said he expects” fruitful but intense negotiations in Oslo.” Government negotiators leave Saturday for Norway where the talks start on August 22 to August 26 Emmanuel Tupas and Celerina Monte
