Sunday, October 05, 2008 Esperon lauded for 'turnaround' of Magdalos
PRESIDENTIAL peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. was credited by Malacañang on Saturday for the "turnaround" of some members of the Magdalo Group who are now advocating "peace."
Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said Esperon's initiatives are paying off, as seen by the turnaround of Magdalo leaders like former Army Captain Nilo Maestrecampo.
"Efforts of government are paying off, to make them realize they can be important players for peace. Esperon's initiative should be welcomed, it's a very good example of a change in paradigm," he said.
He said Esperon had sent home the message that it is "futile" and a "total waste" of resources to fight the government.
Dureza said Esperon, who was Armed Forces chief of staff prior to his new post, had given the rebels with their own cause and reform agenda to re-channel their efforts.
Several Magdalo members are now in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
"We should welcome all these initiatives of General Esperon in succeeding to bringing to peace work those creating trouble," he said. (JMR/Sunnex)
