Gov. Lee to CNN, Phil Army: “Initiate meaningful dialogue”

Sorsogon Gov. Raul R. Lee

By: Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, July 9 (PIA) – The recent encounter between the Philippine Army 31^st Infantry Battalion and the elements of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) in the hinterland barangay of Upper Calmayon, Juban Sorsogon underscores that peace though within our grasp is still elusive. It was no longer isolated, the engagement of the two sides were also recorded in other municipalities of Sorsogon, most recently in the towns of Irosin, Gubat and Casiguran.

This was the statement of Sorsogon Governor Raul R. Lee as relayed by Provincial Administrator Robert Rodrigueza.

Mr. Rodrigueza said that the Governor issued statement calling for cessation of hostilities especially that there are losses of lives and civilians being victimized by this unworthy cause.

It can be noted that on July 7, 2013 one female participant and student of Bicol University-Gubat Campus was hit by bullets fired by the perpetrators when personnel of Gubat Municipal Police Station while conducting marshall with the Fun Run activity of the same school was harassed by unidentified lawless elements believed to be CNN at Brgy Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon. The victim suffered gun shot wounds to her both feet and was rushed to the hospital. The victim was released by the hospital safely on the next day.

Gov. Lee said the succeeding incidents of encounters and harassments in the province marred the image which he desire for the province and will also undermine the efforts of his administration to put Sorsogon in the map of secured tourist destination and investor’s hub.

“I appeal and call upon all parties involved to initiate a meaningful dialogue to start in the local level in order to preserve life and explore all avenues to implement doable formula for a lasting peace. I call upon the leaders of the inter-faith community in the province to join me in our common quest for peace,” the Governor stressed out.

“To this end, I am offering the resources of the Provincial Government as an initial step and reaching out to our brothers in the hills and the military for an end to the hostilities,” he further said. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)