The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command is now focusing its effort on Negros Occidental, which it expects to be declared soon as conflict manageable and development ready. This was the declaration of Negros Oriental as such last month.
Although they have not set a time table for its declaration. Lt. Gen. John Bonafos, AFP Central Command chief said yesterday that they have noted a marked improvement in the peace and development campaign of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, in tandem with local government units and multi-sectoral groups, including civil society organizations.
Bonafos said there is need for an immediate follow up to bring the development aspect to the conflict-affected communities.
He said the overwhelming support of the people of Negros Occidental to their peace and development campaign showed that they are already fed up with violence, and want peace to reign in their communities.
Having declared an area as “conflict manageable and development ready,” Bonafos, who attended the third leg of Marching for Peace, Serving the Countrysides spearheaded by the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit, in this remote barangay, said indicates state of normalcy, with the insurgency problem already in an insignificant level.
Board Member Alain Gatuslao, represented Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. in the activity.
Gatuslao enjoined the population of the district to support the peace initiative.
Hundreds of barangay residents led by San Agustin barangay chairman Agapito Euroba availed of health-related services and programs, who also received relief goods and food packs, medicines and livelihood supplies from the provincial government.
Soldiers and policemen, who participated the marching for peace activity since Monday, have travelled more than 60 kilometers up to this barangay from Brgy.
Cabacungan, La Castellana to Brgy. Quinten Remo, Moises Padilla, show to the people that they are the legitimate armed forces, who could be relied on to protect them, Bonafos said.
The peace activity will again converge on June 21 in Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalbagan.
Eight Bayanihan teams of the 47th Infantry Battalion have dispatched for immersion activities Monday in the hinterland barangays of Carabalan, Mahalang and Buenavista, all in Himamaylan City.
Four other Bayanihan teams were also deployed by the 47IB in the hinterland sitios of Brgy. Tan-awan in Kabankalan City, its commander, Lt. Col. Ariel Reyes, said.
Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon and Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco expressed their support to the peace and development efforts of the 47IB.
Zayco reminded government troops to respect human rights of the populace, in order to ultimately win their support and cooperation.
Reyes assured the two local chief executives that the 47IB will be their active partners in the delivery of desired basic services and government programs, in conflict-affected communities.
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