RPOC chair backs peace talks

COMPOSTELA VALLEY - Gov. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, the concurrent chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council 11, welcomed the possible resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.

His statement came after President Duterte’s pronouncement that he instructed Sec. Jesus Dureza, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, to lay the grounds for the possible re-opening of the peace negotiations.

Gov. Uy, in his official statement, expressed his support to this move by the President.

“In behalf of the people of Compostela Valley, I support this pronouncement from the President,” he said.

The young governor stressed that the resumption of the peace talks will help create a peace agreement that will provide lasting peace for everyone.

“Our hopes are high that the negotiations will broker a deal that will end violent confrontations and provide a sustainable peace for everyone”, he continued.

He also backed the President’s conditions before proceeding with the peace negotiations. He cited that a bilateral ceasefire agreement should be signed. He also said that extortion, harassment, destruction of properties and harming of civilians should stop.

The governor underscored the negative consequences of war in the lives of the people.

“Our resolve to attain peace and stability is stronger as we witness the negative effects of war. It kills lives, disturbs livelihood, prevents real progress and most importantly, it serves as a wedge that continuously divide us. It does not add in our humanity and demeans our sense of community”, he said.