TACLOBAN CITY, March 8 -- Military and local government officials in Samar will hold more peace forums and dialogue to convince the remaining members of the New People's Army (NPA) through their families to return to the folds of the law and avail of the benefits offered by the government.

Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. General Noel Vestuir said Friday they are strengthening the Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) project to completely wipe out insurgency in Samar province.

During the launch on March 5, the army and the local government gathered family members of active NPA members in upland Bacubac village in Basey, Samar, with 29 family members present. Their kin are among the 17...