By Paulo Loreto Lim

While speaking at a Philippine Press Institute seminar-workshop in Cebu City yesterday, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said, given recent violent incidents across the island, Negros continues to be vulnerable to unrest.

“Negros is still a sensitive area with regard to insurgency,” he said.

He also said citizens should not depend solely on government to handle the situation and suggested they “organize.”

When pressed on the matter, he shared an anecdote on how various communities have taken it upon themselves to ensure the security of their local area, similar to a neighborhood watch program.

The seminar-workshop looked at the matter of federalism and the government officer was tasked with discussing the ongoing peace process.

He affirmed, while formal talks have ceased, the focus has shifted to “localized peace engagement,” where rebels are encouraged to leave the resistance and are offered various incentives, including selling their weapons and livelihood assistance./PLL, WDJ