Mayor: Rebels welcome to join Kadayawan
-A A +ASunday, August 5, 2012
DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio invited anew members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) to join the celebration of the 27th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.
In an interview at the festival's opening program Friday, Duterte-Carpio said the call for peace is always there "so the communist rebels are welcome to come down from the mountains and join us during the festivities."
"If they want peace during the month-long celebration of Kadayawan, then they are welcome to join us here," Duterte said.
Brigadier General Ariel B. Bernardo, chief of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, agreed with the city mayor.
He said they will always support the local government in its decision as long as the communist rebels behave like ordinary citizens.
Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, chief of the Davao City Police Office, also expressed support to Duterte-Carpio's invitation, but was quick to add they will arrest anyone involved in crimes or those who are out to disrupt the celebration.
"Okay lang so long they must not violate our laws like carrying of firearms. If they do, surely they will be arrested," dela Rosa said, adding that rebels with pending warrants of arrest will be also arrested by authorities. (Ivy C. Tejano)
Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on August 06, 2012.
Local news
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