Vice guv: Sincere peace talks key to solving insurgency

SINCERE peace negotiations between the government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is still the most effective tool toward lasting peace in the country, Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris Babiera said Thursday.

Babiera, who also serves as a co-chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), emphasized that insurgency will not stop by answering it with another uprising.

“Although issues on conditionalities of both parties are very complicated, especially on political and economic reforms, going back to the negotiating table is still the very first step in achieving the long desired peace,” he told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.

Babiera issued the call following the February 19 attack staged by NPA rebels at Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) and Dole-Stanfilco warehouses in Bukidnon province that killed two security guards and wounded others, including civilian.

Few days after the DMPI and Dole-Stanfilco raids, suspected NPA rebels also tried to attack the 101st Maneuver Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) based in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. No casualty was reported in the 30-minute exchange of gunfire between the two warring forces.

In the same way, Babiera cited the case of Sitio Lantad in Balingasag town Misamis Oriental that has been the battleground of the NPA and government troops from the ‘80s up to the ‘90s but has been quiet for some time now.

He said the Provincial Government, under the current administration, has sincerely brought the government closer to the people in the area.

With this, he said: “Mas malangkubong mahisgutan ang mga kapasikaran sa pagsulbad sa kalisud ug sa pagpatigbabaw sa kalinaw pinaagi sa sinserong pagsinultihay.” (Annabelle L. Ricalde)