To better understand the sentiments of the people in what used to be rebel-infested areas in the City of Mati, a Community Dialogue was conducted on Saturday, July 24, at Purok Banahaw, Sitio Sudlon, Barangay Central.
The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) headed by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang conceptualized the Community Dialogue to gauge the peace and order situation in the community. It is seen as the first step to achieve sustainable peace within the community.
According to PTF-ELCAC Focal Person and Vice-Chairman Ednar Dayanghirang, the Community Dialogue is one way to know the points of view of the mass community lured by the communist group.
“You each have stories to tell, this is your platform to speak up. For so long, you have given your support to the terrorist group, but that did not bring you any development. That is because as long as there is insurgency, progress cannot be achieved,” he added.
The attendees shared their experiences with the terrorist group and vowed to give their full support to the government in hopes to achieve peace and open doors for development in their community. They also expressed their communities’ urgent concerns that are commonly used by the terrorist group to gain support from the masses.
Captain Maximo Trinidad, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 701st Kagitingan Brigade, who represented Brigade Commander Col. Oliver Maquiling, emphasized the importance of coordination between the government and the people to achieve peace, as one sector cannot do it alone.
Before the activity concluded, the residents took an oath of allegiance which showed their commitment to work with the government against Communism and terrorism.
Agnes Reano, known as “Lola,” who facilitates the province Community Healing, witnessed the activity and also gave an overview of the second process the residents need to undergo to fully detach themselves from the influence of the communist group. The process is called “Healing, Reconciliation and Transformation.”
These are all part of the national government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, localized by the provincial government of Davao Oriental headed by Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang.
Also present in the activity were Barangay Captain Danny Macaubos, Mati City LGU Representative Mr. Michael Balluca, and the men and women in uniform from the 66th Infantry Battalion and 701st Kagitingan Brigade. By Shaye Dacles
