Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said Operation Kingfisher launched by the Army in Negros Island appears to be in line with the statement of the president to attain a no New People's Army status by 2010.

Marañon said he is supporting this program, by setting up model projects to improve living conditions in various localities to show that government is serious in inviting rebels back to its folds.

The governor said Operation Kingfisher will not be like Operation Thurderbolt.

The Army's Operation Thuderbolt in the 80s caused mass evacuations of residents in southern Negros Occidental and the deaths of scores of children in evacuation centers.

"In order to attain peace the armed component is not the only solution," he said.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade launched "Operation Kingfisher" in Negros Island Tuesday to hit the rebels at their doorsteps through raids on their lairs and sanctuaries, its commander, Col. Jerry Jalandoni, said yesterday.

We have been anticipating rebel offensives and we are encouraging the NPA to fight head-on, he said.*CPG

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