Local peace talks pushed in Samar

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 5 (PNA) –- The Philippine Army based here is pushing for locally-initiated peace talks with rebels in two Samar provinces.

Col. Mario Lacurom, Army 803rd brigade commander, said they are now waiting for initiatives from local officials to allow the reconciliation process.

“Soldiers always hope for peace and resolution of all outstanding issues. We always demand to end the sufferings of the people in Samar,” Lacurom said.

Government troops tag Samar and Northern Samar provinces as stronghold of communist rebels in Eastern Visayas region.

“In our dialogue with local officials in Samar and Northern Samar provinces, they all seemed committed to work for the economic and political development of the two provinces,” Lacurom said. “We just hope the rebels support also the peace initiatives for it to succeed,” the official added.

The 803rd brigade covers the entire area of Northern Samar and the first legislative district of Samar province. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR