• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Association of Chief Executives (Negros-ACE) has expressed strong support for localized peace engagements in Negros Occidental, backing community-based peace initiatives being promoted by Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., president of Negros-ACE, said on Monday, May 25 that community-level peace engagements are already being implemented in parts of the province. However, he admitted that not all local government units (LGUs) have the expertise needed to handle peace negotiations and conflict resolution.
Escalante said the Negros-ACE, composed of local chief executives across the province, remains willing to participate in localized peace processes to prevent further bloodshed, following the deaths of 24 New People’s Army (NPA) combatants in separate armed clashes in Toboso and Cauayan.
In a statement, Negros-ACE described the incidents as a tragic loss that “cuts through the hearts of every Filipino, especially our dear Negrosanons.”
Negros-ACE reaffirmed its support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in maintaining peace and security while urging communist rebels to abandon armed struggle.
“The loss of life is too high a price to pay for peace and social equality in our country,” the group said.
The organization also called on all sectors to pursue constructive and democratic approaches in addressing long-standing issues of social injustice, inequality, and marginalization.
Negros-ACE emphasized the importance of healing and unity, encouraging communities to choose “healing over retaliation, unity over division, and compassion over violence.”
During his recent visit to Negros Occidental, Teodoro commended the peacebuilding and reintegration programs of the provincial government led by Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The defense chief also praised local mayors and officials for encouraging former rebels to surrender and reintegrate into society.
However, Teodoro firmly rejected proposals to revive national-level peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army National Democratic Front. Teodoro said that centralized peace negotiations only prolong insurgency and weaken democratic institutions.
Instead, the Department of National Defense and the National Security Council continue to support localized and community-based peace engagements.
Meanwhile, Escalante also supported concerns raised by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson regarding the possible recruitment of students by rebel groups.
He said discussions on vigilance against recruitment activities have already become part of regular Local School Board meetings in Cadiz City, even before recent armed encounters reportedly involving students.
Escalante stressed the importance of protecting the youth from being drawn into armed conflict and urged educators and communities to remain alert against organizations allegedly linked to insurgency recruitment activities. | GB
