QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte said that the government will shoulder the medical expenses of sick and wounded members of the New Peoples’ Army if they will surrender to the government and return to society.
“Look, I am addressing myself to all the soldiers of the New People’s Army. Mag-surrender na lang kayo ngayon at ibaba ninyo ang inyong baril o i-surrender ninyo,” he said.
“At sabi ko, may trabaho kayo naghihintay. At I am building, all throughout the country, almost 5,000 sa National Housing Authority,” he added.
The President made his appeal to the communist group on his arrival speech from his trip to Japan Tuesday night. He asked the NPA rebels to surrender in the name of peace despite the failed series of peace talks between the peace negotiators and the rebels’ negotiating team.
The President said that he will set aside Php 500 million for the rebels. Other than medical expenses, the government will also offer free housing to NPA members who will surrender.
“If you are already tired of fighting and if you no longer want to kill a fellow Filipino in the battle, then you can surrender and a job will be there waiting for you,” Duterte said.
