PILI, Camarines Sur -- Newly-installed Army commander Maj. Gen Jeffrey Sodusta of the 9th Infantry Division based here is offering his hand for a peaceful settlement with communist guerillas in Bicol.

        Bicol has been identified as a New People’s Army country among the 16 regions in the country. It has been noted that during the past three consecutive national and local elections, Bicolano voters, especially those residing in the countryside gave overwhelming votes to leftist partylist groups, such as Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Akbayan, and Kabataan, among others.

        Aware of this, Sodusta said he is envisioning to liberate the region from bondage by initiating peace talks with the rebels to bring about economic development in the region.

        He disclosed that during his stint as commander of the Military Intelligence Group in Bicol in the early 90’s, he was able to talk and befriended Jaime Velasco, a district commander of the New People’s Army in Camalig, Albay where he was known as Ka Juaning and Tatang.

        After 17 years, Sodusta said he wanted to meet Ka Juaning again, not to exchange fire but to revive old acquaintances and talk about peace and amnesty for his rebel friend.

        Ka Edwin, former NPA leader who had returned to the fold of law told Bicol Mail that Ka Juaning has remained as a political adviser of the communist movement in Bicol.

        Another source claimed that Ka Juaning who is now better known as Ka Jorge is the concurrent commander of the Romulo Jallores Command of the NPA which operates in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon.

        Sodusta, however, qualified that although he is willing to negotiate with the rebels on peaceful terms, he has a sworn duty to wipe out the communist movement by 2010.