Community consultation on ex-rebels' concerns held in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17, 2020): Community consultation on ex-rebels' concerns held in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

PEACE CONSULTATION. Rolando P. Asuncion, Region 3 director of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), delivers his message during a consultation meeting held in Baler, Aurora on Wednesday (Sept. 16, 2020). The meeting, which was participated in by former rebels and mass base supporters, and military and police personnel, aims to increase awareness on Executive Order No. 70 on the “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) conducted on Wednesday a community consultation to address the concerns of rebel returnees on peace and development issues.

The Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management and Local Peace Engagement (SAKM-LPE) cluster of the RTF-ELCAC, headed by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Regin 3 Director Rolando F. Asuncion, spearheaded the meeting at Dr. Juan C. Angara Sports Complex in Barangay Suklayin here.

The meeting, which was participated in by former rebels, their mass base supporters, military and police personnel, and representatives from concerned government agencies, aims to orient and increase awareness on Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, which institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, said the main objective of the consultation meeting is to address the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats for inclusive development.

Rubio said the activity is also in line with the goal of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to educate the people on the evils of communism.

“Our activity signifies the convergence of efforts among government agencies, both local and national, in addressing the root causes of insurgency and (create) awareness on the mandates of the participating agencies,” he said.

During the event, Rubio said 76 former members of the Komiteng Larangang Guerrila (KLG) Sierra Madre and mass base supporters of the rebel group pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag.

“They also pledged to reject any form of intrusions by the communist rebels to their communities in this province,” he said.

“Our activity is remarkable and timely in view of our intensified campaign against the New People’s Army that continues to weaken through the loss of support from communities. It is made possible with the convergence efforts and support of the barangay, municipal and provincial task force in ending local communist armed conflict (TF-ELCAC), local officials, indigenous peoples, and peace partner stakeholders,” he added.

Col. Raul Siriban, provincial director of the Aurora Police Provincial Office, said the consultative meeting is essential to address the root causes of terrorism and insurgency in the province.

He urged those who returned to the fold of the law to raise their issues and concerns so that these could be addressed accordingly.

Governor Gerardo A. Noveras said the provincial government of Aurora has recognized the efforts of the police, military, and other concerned agencies in the pursuit of peace and stability in the province.

“Ang pandemya ay kayang solusyunan ng siyensa at ibayong disiplina subalit ang problemang pangkapayapaan ay nangangailangan ng tulong ng lahat (The pandemic can be solved by science and intense discipline but the peace problem needs the help of all),” Noveras said.

The governor likewise said that concerned agencies are committed to relentlessly pursue the remaining communist NPA terrorists who have not opted to lay down their arms as the government will not stop its efforts to achieve lasting peace.

“Our community has a role and that is to support our government. We assure you that our government, particularly our Army, PNP (Philippine National Police) and other security forces are here and ready to assist former rebels and their families to transition in becoming productive members of the society. Let us be united to achieve lasting peace in every community,” he added.

Asuncion said they have a common objective to finally put an end to the terrorist communist organization.

“All concerned agencies are doing their fullest efforts to harmonize peace, development, progress, security, and consequently resolving the nation’s decades-long insurgency problem,” he said.

AFP Ret. Brig. Gen. Abraham Claro Casis, representing the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), congratulated all concerned agencies for the success of the event.

“September is a 'Peace Month'. Let us celebrate peace for all. Let us bring the government closer to the people. Let us condemn the atrocities and lies of the CPP-NPA,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115747