Governor: Negros Oriental to light candles for peace on 11-11-11

Negros Oriental will hold a province-wide candle-lighting ceremony for peace on "11-11-11" (November 11, 2011) to call for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF). A report of the Visayan Daily Star said Governor Roel Degamo requested all local chief executives to organize activities calling for peace on November 11, which also marks the 93rd year of the end of World War I (July 28, 1914 to November 11, 1918). The report said activities will include the simultaneous ringing of peace bells, sirens, and horns at the President Benigno Aquino Freedom Park. Those expected to participate are representatives of students, non-government organizations, volunteers, government employees, the religious sector, civic clubs, business groups, and police personnel and soldiers. The candle-lighting activity will be conducted with the help of the Bayanihan Para sa Kabataan, People Power Volunteers for Reform, the Department of Education, Oriental Negros Children Advocacy Network, and the Philippine National Police. In the report, Degamo said bullets cannot win the hearts and minds of the rebels/ To achieve peace and stability in Mindanao, he said the government must provide the people with better social services, farm to market roads, livelihood, and infrastructure projects. - VVP, GMA News