Localized peace talks to continue

MANILA, Philippines — Localized peace talks with communist rebels will continue under the Marcos administration because the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) finds it more effective than past strategies.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who heads the OPAPRU, said yesterday that localized peace engagement (LPE) has been an effective measure in resolving issues between the government and communist rebels.

The administration will therefore continue pursuing the LPE strategy rather than resume national peace talks since it is more conducive in encouraging rebels to surrender, Galvez said.

“We have seen (that) almost all front commanders are stepping down and there has been a localized peace engagement which empowers the mayors, governors,” he pointed out.

“The past 50 years, we have not done well in the national peace talks. Here at LPE, there is goodwill, trust and confidence. We can see the authentic intentions of both parties to really come to peace,” he added.

The OPAPRU’s statement came after the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict decided not to recommend to President Marcos the resumption of national peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Citing data from the Department of National Defense, the OPAPRU said at least 26,414 communist rebels have already surrendered as of May this year.

Those who were eligible to receive government benefits were provided with housing, livelihood, medical and education assistance, it said.

The OPAPRU also reported that 47 of 81 guerrilla fronts of the NPA operating in the country have already been neutralized.