0PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has assured the National Democratic Front (NDF) that its detained consultants will be released to allow them to attend the formal resumption of peace talks in Oslo, Norway next week. “The President assured NDF lawyers present during the meeting in Malacañang yesterday (August 15) that the NDF consultants will fly to Oslo,” Bello said. The Duterte administration has so far secured the release of communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, and Ariel Arbitrario and Porferio Tuna. The NDF is still seeking the release of Tirso Alcantara, Renato Baleros Sr., Kennedy Bangibang, Alexander Birondo, Winona Birondo, Ma. The Oslo talks are expected to tackle issues on socioeconomic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, security and immunity guarantees, cessation of hostilities and disposition of forces.

Source: Manila Times August 16, 2016 15:33 UTC