• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Saturday, May 23 reiterated that the national government will not pursue peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, stressing instead the importance of localized peace mechanisms and reintegration programs for rebel returnees.
Teodoro emphasized that the government is now focused on community-based approaches and military operations aimed at weakening armed insurgent groups.
The Defense chief said the government remains open to accepting rebels who choose to surrender and return to mainstream society, with assistance coming from local government units (LGUs).
“The government is open to returning rebels, who we take care of,” Teodoro said in an interview during his visit at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
He also lauded the provincial government led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and some of the mayors for their support to the local peace initiatives and reintegration initiatives for former rebels.
Teodoro said the government’s current strategy is to convince insurgents to abandon armed struggle while security forces continue efforts to neutralize remaining armed elements.
“Our objective is to neutralize the armed elements. Over and above that, we are accepting rebels who surrender, with the help of LGUs,” he said.
Teodoro also declared that “Negros is now in a period of growth, peace and development”.
Two years ago, Negros Island was declared in a state of stable internal peace and security both by the Regional Peace and Order Council and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Teodoro said the recent attacks against former rebels and civilians tagged as military spies carried out by communist rebels may be attempts to counter the efforts of local chief executives encouraging fighters to surrender and reintegrate into society.
“Probably, these efforts of the NPAs are meant to counteract the serious efforts of local chief executives addressing those who return. It is also an alternative form of punishment for those who return,” he said.
Asked how the insurgency could ultimately end, Teodoro said communist rebellion should be viewed as a continuing security phenomenon similar to criminality.
“Insurgency depends on the characterization. It is a phenomenon, just like criminality. You cannot stop it completely, but you can reduce the armed terrorists,” he said.
Teodoro added that the focus of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is to protect communities and prevent terrorism, warning that even smaller extremist groups can still inflict significant harm.
“We need a bigger armed force in order to protect communities and guard against terrorism. Terrorism may be fewer in number, but potentially more damaging because it becomes more indiscriminate,” he added. | GB
