Duterte renews offer of new houses to NPA rebels

DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his call to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to abandon its armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.

“Drop the gun, and there would be no problem,” the President said at the opening of Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall in Buhangin District here.

“I’ll give you houses and you can enter politics, there would be no problem,” said the President, as he thanked the people of Davao, including NPA rebels, for supporting his campaign for the presidency.

“I would not be where I am now without the help of people of Davao, including the NPA, so help me find a way for all of us to live and to uplift our living conditions,” the President said.

Lost cause

The President, who had ended peace negotiations with communist rebels, addressed himself to the NPA, saying rebels could approach councilors and express desire to surrender, and they would be welcomed by the government.

He said rebellion was a lost cause already.

“Your movement is a lost cause, but I’m ready to accept you, surrender your weapons to me,” the President said in his speech.

“You will be training in Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority),” the President said.

“I will pay for your studies. I will give you new houses,” he added. —Frinston Lim