“Peace envoy” Manny Pacquiao has called on rebels clashing with government troops to lay down their weapons for the sake of national unity.

Pacquiao, who has been appointed by Malacañang as “Ambassador for Peace and Understanding”, has accompanied President Arroyo during social integration rites for former rebels in General Santos City.

"Nananawagan ako sa lahat na nasa bundok na puwede na silang bumalik-loob sa pamahalaan. Puwede akong kausapin nila at tawagan," said Pacquiao.

Mrs. Arroyo has provided P20,000 worth of educational at livelihood assistance for each of the 22 rebel returnees from Cotabato province.

Malacañang has acknowledged the boxer’s ability to unite the country each time he fights overseas, which is why he was appointed as a peace envoy.

Both rebels and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are known to put their guns aside every time Pacquiao lays himself on the line against his boxing opponents like Oscar de la Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales.