Saturday, May 24, 2008 AFP welcomes local peace talks in ComVal
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the effort of Compostela Valley Governor Arturo "Chiongkee" Uy to initiate a local peace talks in the province that has been the center of the series of military operations and attacks by the New People's Army (NPA).
In a text message Friday, AFP's 5th Civil Relations Group chief Major Medel Aguilar said no less than AFP chief of staff Lieutenant General Alexander Yano declared during his visit in Davao City last week the AFP's support any peace negotiation, be it in the local or national level.
"We have seen the plight of affected civilians and the sincere effort of the local government to help their constituents. From this difficult situation, we can rise to face thee challenge and find solutions to attain lasting peace in our locality," Aguilar said.
The Army major, however, clarified that the military operations in ComVal would not be stopped as it is meant to remove armed groups that threaten the security.
"The only way to stop us from doing this mandate is the absence of these armed groups that suppress the right of our people to live in peace in our community. The combat operation will not be conducted if there are no armed groups that bomb or burn telecom facilities, public conveyances, attack government installations, and extort from business establishments, politicians and ordinary people," Aguilar said.
"My opinion is that combat operations will become unnecessary if the NPA will cease from conducting atrocities and agree to the proposed ceasefire," he added.
Uy said on Thursday that he has started laying the ground works for the local peace talks he is planning to initiate in his province. He said he is now talking with the AFP and the NPA to get their reaction on his planned peace talk.
Compostela Valley has been the site of strong military offensive since last year. New Bataan, Compostela and Monkayo towns are the most affected in the rebel and military offensives that resulted to death of several people and the displacement of thousands. (BOT)
