3rd Marine Brigade optimistic of lasting peace and accord in Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): 3rd Marine Brigade optimistic of lasting peace and accord in Palawan

3rd Marine Brigade commanding officer Brig. Gen. Armando Bañez is optimistic that with the support of Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez and other local government units (LGUs), the province is assured of lasting peace and accord even with the presence of the remaining small group of members of the leftist movement.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Monday, Bañez said the support that Alvarez and the provincial government are giving through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), and other concerned government agencies to rebel returnees from the New People’s Army (NPA) proves to be effective.

“It is really the help from the local leadership that has convinced them to leave the mountains and return to government fold to care for the welfare of their families too,” Bañez said.

The commanding officer of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3rd MBDE) of the Philippine Marines Corps (PMC) stationed in Palawan said that when the provincial government kept its words about providing financial assistance to rebel returnees so they could start anew, “it seems that recruitment of the NPA has disintegrated.”

Bañez, who just recently received his star to become a brigadier general in the PMC, expressed optimism that soon, Palawan would be cleared of its insurgency problems.

“What remains today in Palawan are just members, who try to create problems here and there because their threats are no longer making fear out of the people. The partnership between the provincial and municipal governments and the military is strong, and all our efforts are aimed at alleviating poverty and making sure people live in a community where peace and order reign,” Bañez furthered.

Since Alvarez became governor of Palawan, members of the NPA have gone down from the mountains to surrender and take a chance at the support the provincial government is offering.

Earlier, Lt. Cherryl Tindog, spokesperson of the WESCOM, said the military in Palawan “has always been ready” in defending the peace and order in the province, as well as give support to those who will choose to lay down their arms to start new lives.

She said the support of Palaweños is also important, particularly in accepting the rebel returnees back in the communities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=676712