Localized peace initiatives with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front, Senator Panfilo Lacson said is still a “way to go,” and is more practical.
He also said this would also mean lesser expenses on the part of the government as representatives to the peace talks with communist rebels no longer need to go abroad.
“First, it is very clear that Joma Sison has no control of the CPP/NPA guerrilla fighters ng CPP/NPA,” said Lacson, referring to Jose Maria Sison, the founding chairman of the CPP-NPA-NDF who has been in exile at The Netherlands.
Secondly, Lacson said the CCP’s forces in the provinces and regions are different so that their treatment should also be different.
Thirdly, he said the local governments are in a better position to know the needs of rebels in their areas.
“And they can get close relatives and friends to meddle between the two panels, and they know the beneficial needs of rebels in case they decide to return to the folds of law,” he said.
Furthermore, he cited the need to have clear guidelines and parameters for the peace talks to be conducted by every local government together with intensified support and supervision of central government.