Military welcomes Padaca’s peace proposal

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — The military leadership in Northern Luzon welcomed the recent proposal of incoming Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca for peace negotiations with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in her province.

Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Alcasid, commanding general of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (ID), which has jurisdiction over the entire Northern Luzon, lauded Padaca’s proposal for her administration to initiate "localized" peace talks between the military and local guerrillas.

"We welcome the proposed peace negotiations of Gov.-elect Padaca. We are very much willing to support and cooperate for a lasting peace with any group," Alcasid said.

The 5th ID, the biggest Army division in the country, is based in Camp Melchor de la Cruz in Gamu, Isabela where communist rebels are still lording it over many hinterland villages.

The country’s second biggest province, Isabela is home to three NPA fronts — the Benito Tesorio, Filomena Asuncion and Fortunato Camus commands — and several left-leaning groups, making the province the hub of communist operations in the entire Northern Luzon.

Alcasid said it is always the priority of the national government to pursue lasting peace with the communist rebels and other "misguided groups," and that Padaca’s peace proposal "is very laudable and very much welcome."

However, Alcasid said they have yet to talk with Padaca about the parameters of such "localized" peace negotiations.

"I have yet to meet her and discuss the peace plans. Probably, we’ll talk about it soon," he said.

In seeking her disqualification, outgoing Gov. Faustino Dy Jr. accused Padaca of conniving with NPA guerrillas in terrorizing Isabela voters.

Dy earlier warned that should Padaca become governor, the communists would rule the province.

Padaca, a polio victim who walks with crutches, has repeatedly denied the accusations of the Dys who have ruled Isabela for more than three decades.

Padaca appealed to NPA rebels, "if (they) sympathize with me," to open their lines of communications to pave the way for the localized peace talks.

Meanwhile, Alcasid said he has recalled the Army personnel assigned to Gov. Dy.

Dy was provided military escorts due to alleged death threats from the NPA during his incumbency.