NEWSFLASH

BOHOL RESPONDS TO ERAP'S CALL FOR PEACE

Tagbilaran City, April 3, 2000 - President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada’s efforts to bring peace to areas where communist rebels operate received a major boost from the local government of Bohol.

Bohol Governor Rene Relampagos said his office has started conducting peace summits in the province’s 47 municipalities and in the capital, Tagbilaran City.

"We want you to know that Boholanos are certainly with you as you gain momentum in your peace and development agenda," Relampagos told the President.

He added this is in response to the President’s call for unity and cooperation from all sectors to push the peace process forward as one way of achieving economic prosperity.

Earlier, the President ordered the establishment of the National Peace Forum in key areas to deal with communist rebels at the local level.

Bohol, reportedly a training ground for new communist rebel recruits, has been named one of the pilot areas for the peace forums.

Relampagos said these efforts should relieve some of the pressure off the national government in its efforts to achieve peace in the countryside.

"It is a tall order we know, but we accept it. With your support, Mr. President, we intend to succeed," he said.

The President visited Bohol last April 1 as part of his four-day visit to the Central and Eastern Visayas.

During his stay, the President challenged communist rebels based here to show their sincerity in seeking a better life for the people by cooperating with his pro-poor administration.

Speaking at a multi-sectoral meeting there, the President said communist rebels can do better in freeing the people from poverty by laying down their arms and helping him.

"Hamon ko sa New People’s Army (NPA), sumama kayo sa amin. Makiisa kayo, tumulong kayo (My challenge to the NPA is to join me in improving the lives of the people. Unite with my administration and help me)," he said.

Last March, communist rebels ambushed government troops in Sta. Catalina town, killing four government soldiers.

Despite this, the President noted that he is already pushing for peace in this area by making it one of the pilot areas for the National Peace Forum.

Mr. Estrada said the peace forums would enable all residents to address poverty, which he said is the root cause of insurgency.

The President reiterated his warning to the NPA against committing criminal and terrorist acts against the people, saying the police and military will go all out against them.

"Sa ating kapatid na NPA, tigilan ninyo na ang katiwalian ninyo at paghihirap na ginagawa ninyo sa ating mamamayan. Makiisa na tayo sa ating pamahalaan (To our NPA brethren, stop abusing the people. Help the government give the people a better life)," he said.