NEGROS OCCIDENTAL (PIA)— Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province here will continue to appeal for the rebels to surrender their arms and join the mainstream after an armed group here nix peace offers.
Lacson made this reaction after the leadership of the New People’s Army based in Negros Island rejected the peace proposals.
Despite this development, the province would continue to entice armed members of the NPAs to lay down their arms and avail of government programs to start a new life, he said.
Lacson added that the rejection is unfortunate but the provincial government should not stop in providing financial resources to those who surrender to get them started.
Col. Michael Samson, acting commander of the Philippine Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade, echoed similar statements extending the hand of reconciliation to the rebels but warned of consequences if rebels disrupt peace and order in the province.
