Army Cpl. Benjamin Enot Samano told Davao-based news site Davao Today the talks would help the country achieve a lasting peace.
“I am appealing to the government to resume the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines so that the decades-long war against the New People’s Army will end. I am saying this to help our country achieve a lasting peace,” he said.
Samano, 37, and Pfc. Alvin Ricarte, 23, were released last weekend.
In his interview, Samano said he wants to make peace with the New People’s Army “because the war that is happening in the hinterlands should be blamed on the defective system.”
“We are Filipinos yet we are killing one another because of differences in ideology and principle which has resulted [in] war,” he said.
Ricarte added peace could only be achieved if the government will pursue peace talks with the NDF.
“(The NPA)… treated me well during the days when I was held in captivity. They are not harsh. I am thankful to God for he has answered my prayers that I will be with my family,” he said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News
