Social services office to lead local peace talks with Reds in Davao City

EVEN AS the peace initiatives of the national government with communist rebels have hit a snag, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the city government is now finalizing the draft of an executive order that will pursue local peace talks with the rebels. Ms. Carpio, daughter of the President, said the City Social Services and Development Office will be tasked to lead the discussions, which will include the possible employment of about 1,000 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the city government. The mayor, however, stressed that the smooth implementation of the process will largely depend on the rebels. Ms. Carpio and the NPA have been exchanging harsh words after the rebels attacked two of Lapanday Food Corp.’s properties within the city in April. President Rodrigo R. Duterte last week ordered the cancellation of the peace talks with the communists following several attacks on government law enforcers in different parts of the country. Ms. Carpio said as mayor, “It is my duty and obligation to pursue just and lasting peace.” — Carmelito Q. Francisco