Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo yesterday  said he will give his full support to the Candle Lighting for Peace at the Freedom Park grounds in Dumaguete City set at  6 p.m. on  Nov. 11.

The activity is spearheaded by the People Power Volunteers for Reform to show support to the peace negotiation between the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front and the government in Norway.

Eugene Quirante, representing PPVR Negros Oriental, said in a meeting with Degamo that the activity intends to convey the message of support to the government for a lasting peace between the CPP-NPA-NDF.

He said Negros Oriental is not spared with issues that contribute to the insurgency problem like the agrarian reform program and alleged land-grabbing.

They expect President Benigno Aquino III to give a live message through the internet during the activity.

The PPVR organizers are trying to contact Luis Jalandoni, leader of the CPP-NPA-NDF, and Alex Padilla on the government panel, to also give their messages during the activity.

Quirante said they hope to get support from local government units in conducting simultaneous lighting of candles, ringing of church bells and blowing of horns to signify support for the peace negotiation.

Other sectors like the church, academe and progressive groups are also invited to participate, along with the leaders of the PNP and the military.

Degamo will reportedly issue a memorandum order to all local government units to hold simultaneous candle lighting for peace activities in their places.*MA

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