defer the peace process with the Philippine government pending the release of all rebel detainees is "unfortunate,"

The proposal of the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to defer the peace process with the Philippine government pending the release of all rebel detainees is "unfortunate," a senior government official said Friday.

"The statements made by National Democratic Front of the Philippines' chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni and NDF panel member Fidel Agcaoili are most unfortunate," said Teresita Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

The Aquino administration is hoping that the issue will be resolved soon, the official said.

The NDFP officials proposed for the postponement of the talks this month "until such time that the releases of NDFP consultants and JASIG-protected (people) are carried out in compliance with the JASIG."

Deles expressed hope that the mechanisms set up by both panels to address "non-substantive issues" like this "will work towards the resolution of this issue."

"As far as I know, there has not been any changes on the agreements between the government and the NDFP. Preparations for the substantive agenda are moving forward. The panel is fully aware of the developments brought about by the statements issued by Jalandoni and Agcaoili," Deles said.

"We enjoin the NDFP to continue having faith in this mechanism. The government remains committed to stay the course and discuss whatever it takes to bring a just and lasting peace for the country," she added.

The NDFP is the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army.

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