JARO, Leyte (DWDD) – The Central Command (Centcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines joined the people of Barangay Villa Conzoilo of the Municipality of Jaro, a 3rd Class Municipality in Leyte Province where the Joint Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Region 8 and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Leyte Province Meeting was held on April 13, 2018. The meeting was graced no less by the Secretary of National Defense who witnessed the progress in what was once considered an insurgency-affected area.
“Nobody wants to be the Barangay Captain of this barangay before because of its miserable condition.” said
Barangay Captain Alex Aborita in local dialect. Sources from the intelligence unit described Barangay Villa Conzoilo as a community heavily influenced by the communist insurgents due to lack of government’s presence. “Most of the people in this barangay then had no one to turn to but to the CPP-NPA who promised them with lands to farm and better life.” Hon. Alex Aborita added.
Change took place when government intervention came in. “It was difficult at first because people are suspicious of our intent and motive.” said Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominic Petilla. “The turning point came when they saw the services of the govlernment actually coming in.” the Governor revealed.
Lieutenant General Paul Talay Atal, D.P.A., Central Command chief, underscored the interplay of development and security as he led the implementation of the AFP’s Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) “Kapayapaan” in the whole Visayas. “Development and security are two sides of the coin. Security will ensure the implementation of the development projects that will help the people in their everyday life.” General Atal said.
Many of the government projects, such as roads, livelihood and disaster resiliency programs coming from the national and local government are implemented in coordination with the government security forces. Major General Raul Farnacio, the Commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division has committed to deploy forces to protect development projects and programs from all threat groups.
During the meeting, the RPOC members passed a resolution urging the national government agencies to support the poverty alleviation programs of the AFP and the PNP as these projects gradually create vast impact on the lives of the people.
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana appreciated the combined efforts of the local government units, the military and civil government agencies as he listened to the testimonies of the local residents. “Whatever happens in one community is the responsibility of its political leaders. Region 8 and the Province of Leyte must be lucky to have competent and responsible local chief executives leading them to progress.” Secretary Lorenzana declared as he committed to attend the next Joint RPOC 8 and Leyte PPOC Meeting.
Samar Governor and RPOC 8 Chairperson Sharee Ann Tan presided over the conference and presented the Region 8 Peace and Development Roadmap. “Empowering impoverished communities is the key to the door that leads into sustained peace and development.” Governor Tan said. “I am happy to see a template provided by the Province of Leyte, which the other provinces in our Region can copy and improve.” she added.
The whole Province of Leyte is soon to be declared as insurgency-free province. Insurgents will find no place to exist in a politically and economically empowered community. CENTCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/20/change-is-here-centcom-launches-development-in-insurgency-free-communities/
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