DAVAO CITY, Philippines (PNA) – Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte accepted the offer made by the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP) to become one of its resource persons in the peace process with the Philippine government.

Speaking to reporters after a dinner with the NDFP peace panel, Duterte said he is willing to impart his best to attain peace – especially in Mindanao.

“I will contribute to the best that I can for the armed conflict to end in this generation so that the younger generations will live in peace thereafter,” Duterte said.

In a visit to this city on Tuesday evening, NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Luis Jalandoni made the offer during a dinner with the vice mayor who, in turn, graciously accepted the proposal.

Jalandoni said Duterte could help the NDFP panel in terms of his knowledge on the insurgency situation in the grassroots level.

The NDFP panel chairperson said the vice mayor also has extensive knowledge on dealing with both the insurgents and the military, and in getting their sentiments, which could help in the peace negotiations.

Satur Ocampo of the Bayan Muna Party-list added that Duterte’s role is very important, considering that the Mindanaoan leader is familiar with both sides and that his political clout is a plus factor.

“Every negotiation needs someone who is politically savvy and this is where Vice Mayor Duterte would come in, thus his contribution would be very valuable,” Ocampo said.

According to Jalandoni, they will be inviting Duterte soon to join them in the peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway or Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Duterte only has one request though, that the talks be scheduled before or after the winter season.

He said the NDFP has offered for the resumption of the peace talks in Oslo, Norway on September 12 up to 24.

Jalandoni said that if it will push through, the negotiation will tackle the issues on social and economic reforms, political, and constitutional reforms, as well as the controversy surrounding the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG).

Jalandoni and Satur Ocampo, along with other progressive leaders, were in town to attend the forum of the coalition Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Mindanao, led by Philippine Independent Church Bishop Felixberto Calang.

Bishop Calang said their coalition is calling for the resumption of peace talks.

On the same occasion, Jalandoni also gave the latest update on the peace process between the NDFP and the Philippine government.