World Notes the Philippines

At 18, Ching is a seasoned commander of the New People's Army, the Communist guerrilla group that mounted a campaign of violence against the regime of Ferdinand Marcos. The former President is in exile, and Ching, pregnant with her first child, is weary of the hardships of guerrilla life. Last week she and 167 other rebels laid down their guns and met privately with President Corazon Aquino at a Roman Catholic monastery in the southeastern city of * Davao, where rebel activity has been strong. Said Ching: "Now there's hope for a new life."

Aquino undertook the trip, her second outside Manila since assuming power in February, to prove that there is popular support for her conciliatory efforts toward the Communist rebels. As she rode through Davao, thousands waved the yellow ribbons that have come to symbolize her People Power campaign. It was an impressive reception. Even so, some could not help being reminded of similar events staged by her predecessor.