MANILA — A Catholic prelate on Thursday lauded the government’s efforts to assist surrendering members of the New People’s Army (NPA) by providing them livelihood and housing.
Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad chided those who are imputing malice on the government’s move.
“Let us take seriously the offer and not put color on it,” Jumaoad said in an interview.
The Ozamiz archbishop believed that such move of the government is a step towards achieving peace.
“The offer is a good gesture of peace and reconciliation,” Jumoad added.
“What the President did is beautiful and he acts as a father of our nation. That’s always the case of damn if you do and damn if you do not do,” the Mindanao bishop said.
Malacañang earlier stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte’s offer to give NPA members houses and employment if they surrender to the government should not be construed as a form of bribery.
Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison earlier said the President is trying to bribe NPA rebels to surrender. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
