Work for peace

Army official calls on communists to respect peace in ComVal

TAGUM City - “Stop the senseless violence. Stop the killings among us Filipinos. End your armed struggle.” As the whole province of Compostela Valley was declared earlier yesterday as Conflict-Manageable and Development Ready Area (CMDRA), 10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Rafael Valencia pleaded to the communist group, CPP-NPA-NDF, to respect the desire of the Comvaleños for peace.

Maj. Gen Valencia made the appeal in front of the hundreds of the provincial government officials, municipal mayors and other attendees during the declaration program at the Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School. “Let this occasion therefore tell the whole world that the Comvaleños are already tired of violence and want peace in their beautiful and rich place that could further hasten the progress and development of Compostela Valley,” he said.

He stressed that although he agreed with the communist’s quest for political, social and economic reforms, he opposed the use of force and violence. “The political, social and economic reforms you want are best addressed, resolved and achieved in an environment of peace,” he said. Maj. Gen. Valencia also supported the on-going peace talks in Norway between the Philippine government and the CPPNPA-NDF through the observance of ceasefire in its area of responsibility.

“We at the 10th Infantry Division are religiously observing the ceasefire that the President had declared and we are hoping and praying that the said ceasefire will stay until a final peace agreement is reached.” Earlier, Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy and 1001st Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Macairog Alberto inked a Memorandum of Agreement for the declaration of the province as CMDRA transferring to the provincial government the lead role in the Internal Peace and Security efforts.