President Duterte Renews Call for NPA to Surrender

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Friday, October 19, called anew on members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender to the government as he is ready to provide them a comfortable life.

In his brief remarks at the inauguration of Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall, President Duterte acknowledged the initial support the NPA had given him when he was running for the presidency. “I will not be where I am today without the help of the people of Davao and the NPA. I’m thankful for that,” he said.

The President then reiterated to them the significance of working with the government. “And because you helped me, I am asking you to also help me find a way for all of us to live.”

“What we have to do in our generation — it behooves this generation to find the elusive peace,” President Duterte explained.

The Chief Executive also reassured the rebel returnees that jobs are waiting for them, especially in Davao, and they could avail themselves of livelihood training skills from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“There are jobs here, and that makes me very happy. You NPAs sleep on it. Nobody else is closer to the NPAs here than the Davaoeños,” he cited.

Meanwhile, the President lauded the Gaisano Group for playing a vital role in the lives of the Davaoeños, and for contributing to the overall progress of Davao City.

“I want to thank you a lot first because of the jobs. You have generated jobs for the people here,” he said.

“You know, when I was still Mayor, I told you that I would do my best to lift the economy here in Davao City so that we could provide more jobs. Now there are a lot of businesses,” he added. (PND)