By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The newly-appointed commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) has extended the “olive branch” to the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros, inviting them for localized peace talks.

Colonel Michael Samson, replacing Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte who is retiring from the service, said he is open to resolving the insurgency in the province through peaceful means instead of waging a bloody conflict.

Samson said the bloody battles that have taken place this year should already be an example for the local NPA that it is better to go to the negotiating table.

He pointed out to the NPA that they could act quicker and resolve problems through localized peace talks with the local government units, as they could address the needs of the people, especially those living in far-flung areas.

Samson added it would now be easier for the local NPA guerilla fronts and units to make the decision following the passing of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison this month.

However, besides extending the “olive branch” to the insurgents, Samson also warned that government forces in Negros would become more merciless if the local NPA refused to make peace, pointing out that “he could also become a nightmare” for the group.

“I encourage them istoryahan ta. I understand the previous national peace talks failed because they [CPP-NPA] blindly followed the teachings and directives of the central committee,” he said./DGB, WDJ