BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The newly-appointed commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) has invited the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros for localized peace talks.
Colonel Michael Samson, who replaced the retiring Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, said he is open to resolving the insurgency through peaceful means.
He pointed out to the NPA that they could act quicker and resolve problems through localized peace talks with local government units, as they could address the needs of the people especially those living in the far-flung areas.
Samson added it would now be easier for the local NPA guerilla fronts and units to make the decision following the death of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. “Joma” Sison earlier this month.
Although he is extending the “olive branch” to the insurgents, Samson also warned that government forces in Negros would be more merciless if the NPA refuses to make peace.
“I encourage them istoryahan ta. I understand the previous national peace talks failed because they [CPP-NPA] blindly followed the teachings and directives of the central committee,” Samson said./PN
