THE Davao City local government's initiative to push localized peace talks with the New People's Army now has the full support of no less than the President, Rodrigo Duterte, himself.
He said the call for the rebels to surrender will only be to those who want to rest, assuring them of livelihood and financial assistance. This he said during a press conference at Francisco Bangoy International Airport upon his arrival from his two-day working visit in Japan.
"If you're tired of killing a human being, you can always go back mainstream. Alagaan ko kayo," Duterte said.
Duterte, who has been mayor of a city where presence of NPA rebels cannot be denied, knows very well that this is what the rebels in the hinterlands need.
He knows too well that not all members of the NPA are still willing to sacrifice their lives just to please their superiors who, for one, are not even here and are basking in the wealth of another country.
This is the right moment for the NPAs to lay down their arms and accept the offer of the government. For no matter what, their superiors abroad cannot and will not ever hear their cries and provide for their needs.
It's their government who can and will provide for their needs.