BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson again appealed to New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to surrender.
In a recent statement, Negros rebels rejected calls for localized peace talks.
Lacson said the provincial government encourages rebels to benefit from the government’s reintegration program.
He expressed support to the suggestion of Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) commander Colonel Michael Samson to discuss peace with the rebels.
“Many rebels have already surrendered to avail themselves of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government,” said Lacson.
However, the NPA’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command rejected the peace overtures and threatened to mount tactical offensives against government forces.
The new 303IBde commander, on the other hand, warned rebels they will be mercilessly pursued if they resist./PN
