Guv to consult experts on localized peace talks

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Jan 22, 2020): Guv to consult experts on localized peace talks (By TERESA D. ELLERA)

GOVERNOR Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday, January 21, that he will ask experts on how to go about the localized peace talks.

Maybe, we can now proceed with the localized peace talks, the governor said.

Lacson led the launching of Serbisyo Negrosanon- Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in Isabela which is the pilot area all over Western Visayas.

"Anything that would mean lasting peace and order is welcome. It is also important that the government including the local government units and the private sector are initiating moves to end the insurgency problem," Lacson said.

He said the RCSP is a whole nation approach and it is appropriate that it was launched in Isabela because of the insurgency program that is still happening in some barangays.

During the launching on Tuesday, a Pledge of Commitment were made by the participants to actively support the institutionalization of the Whole-nation-approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating an environment of inclusive peace for all and to support the programs relative to the move.

The governor said the Provincial Government will also initiate an RCSP in northern Negros.

As part of the government's efforts to address the local communist insurgency, the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) caravan of services was launched on Tuesday.

Assistant Secretary for Peace and Order Manuel Felix of the Department of Interior and Local Government said the RCSP is the convergence of the local government unit, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police with the support of other national agencies to look into the problems, go to the barangay level and give solutions.

Felix said the aim is to finally solve the long 50-year insurgency in the Philippines.

Most of the studies showed that the cause of the insurgency is the lack of government services especially in the hinterland areas, he said, "leading them to be fooled by the communist terrorist groups."

Felix was formerly assigned as provincial police director of Negros Occidental.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1840967