Kuya Bong urges rebels: Rejoin society
Go renewed his appeal to the rebels to yield to the government and return to the folds of the law
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has appealed anew to members of rebel groups to rejoin society as he hopes for an end to the decades-old communist insurgency in the Philippines.
The lawmaker stressed that rebellion has negative effects on society as he urged Filipinos, particularly members of rebel groups, to work toward unity rather than killing one another.
Earlier, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) stated that it “strongly recommends” offering amnesty to former rebels. According to the Task Force, an amnesty will “prevent the resurgence of the communist terrorist group, especially in geographically challenged, isolated and disadvantaged areas.”
Go renewed his appeal to the rebels to yield to the government and return to the folds of the law.
Earlier, the senator emphasized the need for a stronger whole-of-nation approach in addressing local insurgency. In 2018, Executive Order (EO) 70 was signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Aside from creating the NTF ELCAC, the EO institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace by creating the task force and adopting a National Peace Framework.
The whole-of-nation approach under the said EO addresses the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats in the country by focusing on the efficient delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government.
The lawmaker also expressed his full support for full amnesty for former rebels or peace talks with rebel groups.
Meanwhile, concerned agencies involved in the task force are providing the necessary assistance through various programs dedicated to help NTF ELCAC achieve its goals. One of which is the Sustainable Livelihood Program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development which provides livelihood assistance grants to former rebels and helps them become productive members of their communities.
The lawmaker also expressed his full support for full amnesty for former rebels or peace talks with rebel groups, whichever the current administration prefers to promote peace in the country.