By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the recent violence in Negros Oriental, there has been talk of a possible Martial Law declaration over Negros. However, Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Stephen Paduano recently proposed local peace talks as an alternative.
“I’m appealing to my fellow Negrenses, especially the rebels, that we should talk peace,” he urged. “If we cannot talk peace nationwide because of your leaders, who [are] based in the Netherlands, we will talk locally.”
The legislator said talks are crucial as civilians living in the far-flung areas of the island are caught in the middle.
Meanwhile, Paduano said most of the Negrense representation in the House of Representatives have already signed on to a resolution penned by Negros Oriental first district Rep. Jocelyn Sy-Limkaichong calling for an investigation into the recent killings.
He said they are also seeking support from Cebu legislators./DGB, WDJ