Monday, July 10, 2006
Brute force can't stop rebel group: mayor
By Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- There is no way the problem with the New People's Army (NPA) and the armed communist movement can be stopped within two years, nor can it be solved by brute force, said City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
The mayor, in his weekly television program, reacted to the all-out-war policy of government against the communist rebellion saying he has never been in favor of using brute force in the fight against the NPA.
He said the government should instead create an environment that would encourage the rebels to leave their struggle and participate in the democratic process.
"Even if you will kill the NPA leaders, someone will still be replacing them. The NPA problem won't be over in two years. I am not in favor of brute force. We should instead create the environment or political climate where they (NPA) can participate," Duterte said.
On June 16, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo committed billions of pesos in funds to fight the communist insurgency, both through an all-out war and development projects.
Arroyo said in the cabinet meeting held in Cauayan, Isabela that the military's timetable of 10 years to end the communist insurgency problem was too long and suggested a deadline of two years.
The President then committed P1 billion to finance military and police operations against the rebels. The money will come from revenue surpluses.
She committed several billions more for development projects in regions where insurgency is high. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(July 10, 2006 issue)
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