On May 31, the Philippines News Agency (PNA) published an article that featured the report of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) during the Duterte Legacy Summit.

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. claimed that the comprehensive peace process “flourished” under the Duterte administration, noting the absence of significant conflict in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the peace process with Cordillera Bodong Administration- Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, which he credits to the government’s anti-insurgency programs and agencies that provide socioeconomic and developments programs.

CLAIM:

Peace talks flourished under the Duterte administration

RATING:

FALSE

FACTS:

In summarizing the Duterte administration’s achievements with regard to achieving peace, Galvez conveniently left out the fact that the Duterte administration terminated peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) early into its term. The OPAPRU report was also silent on the spate of killings and mass arrest of peace consultants that ensued after the collapse of peace negotiations with the NDFP.

It is also erroneous to say that there were no “major conflicts” during the Duterte administration’s term. For one, last March 2021, a violent clash between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Armed Forces of the Philippines took place, causing the displacement of more the 66,000 people in Maguindanao.

WHY IT MATTERS?

The Duterte Legacy Summit was held to supposedly summarize the accomplishments and achievements of President Rodrigo Duterte. However, the said summit produced several reports that either lacked context or portrayed a highly distorted version of events. PNA, which released the report in question, is a state-funded media outlet that has about 385,000 followers on Facebook. – Lhesly Charm Matias 

Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph 

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