DOJ chief favors localized peace talks with Reds

LOCALIZED peace talks would be one of the best ways to deal with communist insurgency, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the death of a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader in an encounter with troops in Northern Mindanao would speed up the defeat of the communist insurgency.

Remulla stressed that in holding localized peace talks, the government can also “focus on what’s happening in the area so that development can also be concentrated.”

“Many of these rebel pockets are there because of underdevelopment also and lack of government attention,” he said.

“That’s why the localized peace talks can be more focused in addressing the complaints of the people who are rebelling in the areas,” Remulla pointed out.

The Justice Secretary noted that the government has named Samar, Bicol, parts of Negros, and parts of Mindanao where localized peace talks would be held.

Remulla said the communist organization is “a fractured group already.”