Military confident to win over insurgency

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jan 11): Military confident to win over insurgency

A HIGH-RANKING military official said that the area of responsibility (AOR) of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) would soon see progress owing to the diminished obstacles to development.

Major General Oscar Lactao, 4ID commanding general, underscored the gains of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the entire country in its various thrusts, particularly in winning the war against insurgency in the countryside where a number of affected areas have already been declared out of the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

 Investors’ destination

He said that in the AOR of the 4ID such as Dinagat in Surigao del Norte, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, parts of the two Agusan provinces are already classified as investor’s destination, ready for tourism and other economic developments.

“It is with pride that our soldiers are able to carry our mandates to bring together our people and start to develop the countryside which were once impoverished because of the presence of the NPA,” Lactao said.

He said that with less traditional military approach -- violent confrontations -- in solving the insurgency, they were able to win the confidence and the cooperation of the communities that were left behind in terms of social economic growth.

Social workers

“We, the soldiers, have practically embarked on being 'social workers' and reached out to the people in need of services, and that’s how we won the hearts and minds of the communities that once were ruled under the communist ideology,” Lactao said.

He said that according to the AFP’s assessment, the number of NPAs in parts of the country has drastically decreased owing to the capture and surrender of top leaders and combatants.

The 4ID has recorded 300 surrenders coming from the various NPA fronts in its AOR and is anticipating of more combatants to go back to the folds of the law in the coming months.

“The implementation of our Operation Bayanihan has proved effective, although not perfect, but our soldiers are able to show results and sustaining the gains and momentum of creating peaceful communities,” Lactao said, adding that “with the net track rating of 74 percent that the people have confidence in the AFP, there is no reason why we cannot carry out our job.”

He said that with the AFP’s strengthening of its Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG), efforts of the military in keeping the peace would be enhanced through the participation of the reservists and civilians who have gained military trainings.

Poverty alleviation

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Gregory Cayetano, 401 Brigade commander, based in the Caraga Region, said the military would now start its thrust in poverty alleviation projects in areas that were once dominated by the NPA.

“We can win over the insurgency by improving the lives of people who thought they were neglected by the government and free the them from fear of being subjugated by the armed group.” Cayetano said.

He said the responsibility of helping elevate the economic status of Filipinos in the hinterlands, at par with those in the urban areas, “is not an easy task, but we will do our best to implement the poverty alleviation program mandated to the military.”

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2015/01/11/military-confident-win-over-insurgency-386235