The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process remains optimistic over the imminent signing of the closure agreement between the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Mangagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Boncayao Brigade and the government.
This is despite the perceived “opposition” of Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca to the establishment of a resettlement area for RPA-ABB families in Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City.
The establishment of resettlement areas for RPA-ABB members and their families is among the requirements for the signing of closure agreement by President Benigno Aquino III.
Undersecretary Ma. Cleofe Gettie Sandoval of the OPAPP, however, said about the problem over the resettlement area in Victorias City, that “From what I understand, the mayor is not opposing, he is to support the program”.
Palanca said in a media interview that he is not against the RPA resettlement site in Victorias City, but not the one located near the eco-park, apparently referring to Brgy. Gawahon, which is a tourist destination area.
EFFECT ON TOURISM
While he wants the families to have a normal life, Palanca said, the establishment of the resettlement area may have an effect on tourism.
Despite the sentiments of Palanca, the Provincial Peace and Order Council chaired by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. unanimously passed a resolution approving the establishment of resettlement areas for former RPA-ABB members. The organization will now be known as Kapatiran, in Brgy. Palampas, San Carlos City, and Brgy. Gawahon in Victorias City.
Originally, the proposed resettlement sites were Brgy. Bagonbon in San Carlos City and Brgy. Celestino Villacin in Cadiz City. However, these were not pushed through because the two barangays are part of the Northern Negros Natural Park.
During the PPOC meeting at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, presided over by Marañon, Rudyard Hipe, City Legal Officer of Victorias, read the statement of Palanca, that stressed the need for coordination and dialog with the city officials and the community concerned, on the establishment of the resettlement area in Brgy. Gawahon.
SECURITY CONCERNS
Palanca also expressed concern over security in the area, if the establishment of the resettlement area pushes through.
Sandoval said “I think the security sector and the Office of the Governor has already responded to that”.
Veronica Tabara, chairperson of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas, a political arm of the then RPA-ABB, agreed with Palanca on the need to consult the community in the area.
Any sustainability on social-economic integration of the group (RPA-ABB) depends on the support of the community, Tabara, who is the widow of slain former CPP Visayas Commission secretary Arturo Tabara, said.
Palanca also said the proposed area is near the eco-park, that they are developing into an economic zone.
IB ASSURANCE
Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, however, said they have contingency plans on how to protect the area.
“This will benefit immediately the eco-park”, Aying said.
By strengthening their security measure through the integration of the San Isidro and Canlusong detachments forces in EB Magalona and that of in Gawahon, Victorias City, he said, they will be able to cover more areas, with additional forces of the 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion and 6th Special Action Battalion.
It will be a model of peace and development, Aying said, adding that they are expecting more funds for the re-integration of former RPA-ABB members into the mainstream society.
He said they assure Palanca that the resettlement in the area will further strengthen the security of the eco-park as well as communities around it.
The provincial government is purchasing 96 hectares for a resettlement area from private landowners in Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City.
Marañon said he is requesting President Aquino that the signing of closure agreement be held in Negros Occidental.
The signing of the peace agreement between the RPA-ABB and the government was held in Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental in year 2000.
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