Negros Occidental Officials Advocate for Localized Peace Talks with Communist Rebels
Negros execs push localized peace talks with Reds
Image: Inquirer
Officials in Negros Occidental, Philippines, support Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s proposal for localized peace talks with communist rebels after recent violent clashes. Mayor Salvador Escalante emphasizes the need for dialogue to prevent further loss of life and urges communities to choose healing over violence.
- 01Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. proposed localized peace talks following violent clashes between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental.
- 02Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, representing the Negros Association of Chief Executives (Negros ACE), expressed willingness to engage in the peace process.
- 03The April 19 clash in Toboso resulted in 19 fatalities, with conflicting claims about the identities of the deceased.
- 04Human rights groups allege that six of the fatalities were civilians, including students and a journalist.
- 05Negros ACE calls for communities to prioritize healing and unity over violence and division.
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In Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, officials have endorsed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s proposal for localized peace talks with communist rebels, following violent clashes that have raised concerns over civilian casualties. Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante, president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives (Negros ACE), affirmed their readiness to participate in these talks, emphasizing the need for dialogue to avoid further loss of life. The recent encounter on April 19 in Toboso, which resulted in 19 deaths, has been a focal point of controversy, with the military claiming all were combatants, while the New People’s Army (NPA) identified only ten as their members. Human rights organizations have reported that six of the deceased were civilians, including a local journalist. Teodoro advocates for mobilizing localized peace mechanisms and providing support to returning rebels. Escalante reiterated the Negros ACE's call for the NPA to abandon armed struggle, urging communities to choose healing and unity over violence.
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The push for localized peace talks aims to reduce violence and foster community healing in Negros Occidental.
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