Congress urged to approve NPA amnesty

MANILA, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro called on Congress yesterday to ratify President Arroyo’s proclamation granting amnesty to communist rebels who have returned to the fold of the law.

“I encourage Congress once they resume to please concur with the amnesty proposal which contains proposals for ceasefires on a local level as mandated by the local peace assemblies to be established,” he said.

In South Cotabato, police units in three towns were placed on alert yesterday following reports the New People’s Army (NPA) will raid police stations and municipal halls.

Senior Superintendent Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato police director, said he has instructed the chiefs of police of Tampakan, Banga and Sto. Niño towns to be ready for possible NPA attacks.

Teodoro said the proposed amnesty would have provisions for a ceasefire to be implemented by local peace assemblies.

It will also contain a social integration plan that would be implemented by the presidential adviser on the peace process and the interior and local government secretary, he added.  – James Mananghaya,  Ramil Bajo