Ferrer backs resumption of localized peace talks

Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Acting Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said he backs the resumption of localized peace talks between the government and the New People’s Army (NPA).

Ferrer said localized peace talks are the best solution in order to resolve the problems on peace and order in the region.

The Diocese of Bacolod’s Social Action Center, meanwhile, is reportedly willing to broker talks between local government and the rebels.

The revival of the resumption of localized peace talks was made following the creation of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier expressed his optimism for the creation of the task force, calling it “an opportunity for us to work together as part of the government and whole-of-nation approach to address the NPA.”

“Negros Occidental is one of the top provinces which has the most number of local government units influenced by the rebel movement, Lacson said.