Killings effect on peace talks feared

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 12): Killings effect on peace talks feared

Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he hopes the recent killings in Isabela, Negros Occidental, allegedly perpetrated by the New People’s Army will not affect the proposed resumption of the peace talks.

“It is unfortunate, as the PNP has said, that it could possibly be an operation of the Sparrow Unit. That could be a factor in the decision of the president to resume the peace talks with the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army),” Lacson said.

Killed in Isabela Monday were retired Army TSgt. Jose Jorito Amable, who heads the Civil Security Group of Moises Padilla, former police officer Alejandro Borres II, who used to be assigned at the Moises Padilla Police Station, and BPAT member Federico Bitgue III.

This could hamper the resumption of the peace talks because one of the conditions of the president is to stop all this violence, he said.

The Isabela incident can be considered a violent action, Lacson added.

“We want the peace talks to continue, but at the same time, there should be cooperation on both sides,” he said.

“It would be good ifthe authorities could really identify the persons behind this violent incident…that’s what we should wait for,” the vice governor said.

On the Build, Build, Build, program of the president, Lacson said hopefully, Negros Occidental will benefit from it.

He cited the bridge connecting Negros to Guimaras and Panay.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/12/topstory4.htm