Continuation of peace talks pushed

COLONEL Oscar Lactao, 303rd Brigade commander, is pushing for the continuation of the peace talks with the New People's Army rebels.

Lactao said peace initiatives should continue as the government continuous giving livelihood assistance to the people, especially those in the hinterland barangays.

Lactao issued the statement in reaction to the statement of lawyer Rolando Parpa of the Dacongcogon People's Cooperative.

Parpa said the military should help in asking the government to provide livelihood to the 10,000 residents in southern Negros who face displacement with the continued non-operation of the Dacongcogon sugar mill.

Parpa said there will be a resurgence of insurgency in southern Negros as the residents in the area are adversely affected by the closure of the sugar mill.

"I agree with him (Parpa) that livelihood is important and that we have to create more jobs but this should not stop us from talking peace and building a culture of peace among us," Lactao said.

He added that as to the need of the said group for capital, they should present the viability of their business proposition to financial institutions.