Compostela governor wants peace talks localized

DAVAO CITY – Compostela Valley Gov. Jose Caballero has called on the national government to hold peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the local level.

Caballero said he is only waiting the go-signal from the Arroyo administration for him to initiate the peace talks at the local level.

"But proper guidelines should be issued first before any talks at the local level could take place," Caballero said.

He stressed that his province is actually home to at least six NPA fronts, the highest number in the country. He said the rich forest cover of the province provides the communist rebels with safe refuge.

Meanwhile, the national government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) are set to resume peace talks on Jan. 15 in the Netherlands, former Justice Secretary and chief government negotiator Silvestre Bello III said.

The two panels still have to resolve the issue on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws (CAHRIHL) and the proposed socio-economic package for the NPA guerrillas.

Caballero explained that he is pushing for the local talks based on his own experience in dealing with the NPA rebels operating in his area.

"It is poverty that is pushing these men to the mountains. And whatever solution the national government would have, still it is the local government officials who will have to implement them. So, it is important that in the whole peace process, the governor and other local leaders should also be involved," he said.

Caballero also cited the importance of preparing the local communities once the NPA guerrillas decide to return to the fold of the law.

"It is important that we also have to get the local communities ready when the time comes that the communist rebels get back to the mainstream of society," the governor said. –Edith Regalado