Peace talks with rebels to bring development to remote communities – Leyte mayor

BAYBAY CITY, Aug. 30 (PNA) –- The city mayor here is optimistic that the breakthrough of peace negotiations with the New People’s Army (NPA) will pave a way for the development of villages previously infested by insurgents.

Mayor Carmen Cari said peace talks would mean development and progress in remote villages of the city.

“The recent development of peace talks is very welcome. People living in villages are poor and they don’t have the capacity to go against the New People’s Army,” Cari said. The city has 92 villages with 68 areas categorized as rural.

“If the peace talks become successful, rural villages will soon experience development and progress because farmers can now tend their farms without fear,” Cari added.

Monterico, one of the villages in Baybay, used to be under the influence of insurgents. The area is now one of the focuses for development. The Department of Health is currently constructing a health center in the village.

Cari also asked NPA members to surrender and start a new life as regular member of the community.

The official said the local government is willing to help rebel returnees in the city to start a new life by giving them livelihood support.

Cari cited Erlinda Caiwan, a former rebel who surrendered in 1984, who was hired by the city government after her records was cleared. She retired from government service two years ago. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR