Rebels told to observe Holy Week, lay down down their arms

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): Rebels told to observe Holy Week, lay down down their arms
 
The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division this Tuesday has urged the remaining rebels in their area to observe Holy Week with their families and lay down their arms and rejoin mainstream society.

"(Rather than fight and shed blood), They (remaining New People's Army fighters) must spend the time with their families, embrace peace and turn their backs from violence and arm struggle. This will also serve as their chance to spend a week of peace, freedom and tranquility in our democratic country particularly in this region," said 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad.

“In the spirit of peace, we call on them to stop deliberate offensive operations against the people. Your Army here in Western Visayas will continue to secure and protect the public, maintain its vigilance and intensify further its security operations in various parts of the region particularly in the countryside and places frequented by tourist as majority of the Filipino population observes the Holy Week," he added.

Baladad said that his ground commanders are continuously conducting assessment of the security conditions in their respective localities and can make the necessary security adjustments to ensure the safety of the people in the locality for the week-long commemoration of the Lenten season.

He also said that the 3rd Infantry Division is in close coordination with law enforcement agencies particularly the Philippine National Police in securing vital installations and populated areas of the region.

"The Army and the PNP through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers at the regional down to the municipal level will conduct joint security operations to ensure the peaceful observance of the Holy Week," Baladad concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=635498