Peace may be attained much earlier given the increasing number of communist rebels surrendering to the government, President Duterte disclosed Thursday.
The President expressed optimism about the peace process with the communist group even as the negotiations broke down in 2017 over past atrocities by the rebels.
“At the rate that the NPAs are surrendering, mukhang I think that we’d be able to realize peace much earlier,” Duterte said during the oathtaking of new government officials in Malacañang.
The government has offered not only livelihood but housing benefits to rebels who lay down their arms, according to the President.
He said some houses intended for soldiers were even allocated for former rebels.
“Kaya sabi ko noon sa mga sundalo bitawan na lang ninyo, umalis na lang kayo diyan. Ibigay na lang ninyo sa mga NPA. Lagyan lang natin ng…Ayaw kong sabihin kasi ‘yung… May gusto akong ilagay. We will just place something, I don’t want to say it, but I want to place something inside,” he said.
Last December, the President expressed willingness to revive the peace negotiations with the communist rebel group.
In his last card to attain peace, Duterte directed Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III to meet communist leader Jose Maria Sison in the Netherlands. Bello previously served as head of the government panel negotiating peace with the rebels. (Genalyn Kabiling)
