Strategies and measures aimed at maintaining lasting peace, stability, and progress for the entire province have been the center of discussion during the recently held Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Full Council Meeting on Friday, May 19, 2023.
PPOC Chairperson Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon emphasized the importance of leveraging the current state of peace in the province to boost the local economy and enhance the well-being of the residents. To achieve this goal, she highlighted the significance of active participation and support from all stakeholders, particularly the Local Government Units, in the pursuit of peace and progress.
“I am grateful that there are no longer any reasons for the LGUs to not move forward. So, huwag na nating gawing rason na magulo kasi. Unlike before na yung struggles natin mas mahirap kasi marami tayong problema sa peace and order. But now is different. (So let’s not make excuses that there is chaos. Unlike before that our struggles were difficult because of the huge problem in peace and order,” she said, noting the importance of accountability and responsibility of each stakeholder in the peace efforts, especially the LGUs.
During the meeting, the council members stressed the need for a holistic approach to tackle sustainability concerns.
701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oliver C. Maquiling said that while there is already an absence of the Communist-Terrorist Group formation in the province since last September 2022, strengthening security measures supported by government programs is critical to deter enemy allies from recovering.
He stressed the significance of addressing the root causes that contribute to the rise of insurgency. Sustaining Focused Military Operations, deployment of Battalion Sustainment Teams to monitor vulnerable areas, and deployment of Community Development Teams that assist People’s Organizations consisting of former rebels and Underground Mass Organizations were among the strategies discussed.
In the entire province, there are 126 People’s Organizations with 479 members that need government support to thrive.
Brigadier General Leopoldo Imbang, Jr. (Ret.), the Provincial Focal Person on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), emphasized that adopting the Whole-of-Nation approach and implementing good governance practices are among the vital strategies for achieving lasting peace.
He said that through the twelve clusters under the ELCAC, planning, and harmonization of policies, programs, services, and activities on peace and order will be streamlined.
Moreover, he emphasized the need to activate the ELCAC in the city, municipal, and barangay Local Government Units to swiftly address concerns and implementation of programs.
The council meeting concluded with stakeholders expressing their optimism and determination to work together toward the sustainability of an insurgency-free status and fostering a province that thrives on peace, stability, and prosperity.
They further reaffirmed their commitment to implementing effective measures and empowering communities to build a resilient province that is resilient to any threat to peace and security. ᴘɪᴏ | ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏꜱ ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
