THE DAVAO City government has launched its Peace 911 program, which is intended to bring customized development projects in areas that are known lairs of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) members. The initial site is Mapula in the remote Paquibato District, where Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio urged residents to join government efforts in bringing peace and development. “Whatever Peace 911 brings to you, accept it, protect it, think of it as your own for peace and development of your district here in Paquibato,” said Ms. Duterte as she signed the executive order creating the Davao City Advisory Committee on Peace and Development, which will take the lead in implementing peace-building efforts. Ms. Carpio earlier wanted to hold localized peace talks with the NPA, but called off the initiative after the national government issued an order tagging them as terrorists. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR