MALAYBALAY CITY, Philippines – President Aquino
recently said that the resumption of the peace talk with the CCP – NPA depends
on the willingness of the communist party. Bukidnon Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr.
remained positive that NPA will cooperate with the government.
Zubiri urged President Aquino to pursue a peace
dialogue with communist rebels.
Zubiri appealed to the government that both should
consider peace talk. He made his call before dozens of former communist rebels
who witnessed the launching and turnover of the Comprehensive Local Integration
Program (CLIP) at the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade here last Sunday.
Zubiri asked DILG Secretary Roxas to relay his
message to the President.
“Let us start talking peace here, at least, in
Bukidnon,” Zubiri said.
Zubiri also urged the communist guerrillas to talk
peace with the government.
“If they can hear me, I offer them my hand of
peace,” he said.
Roxas, who also attended the program, said each of
the 66 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) would receive P65,000
under the government’s local integration program.
Zubiri added the former rebels would also receive
P50,000 from the provincial government.
Roxas obliged DILG regional director Rene
Burdeos to ensure that the former rebels maximize the livelihood assistance.
