Sec Galvez calls for continuing partnership for peace and progress in CAR

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Sec Galvez calls for continuing partnership for peace and progress in CAR (By Carlito C. Dar) 

LA TRINIDAD Benguet, Oct. 26(PIA) - - Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr called for continuing partnership for peace and progress when he graced the ceremonial destruction of 444 firearms turned in by the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army at the Police Regional Office – Cordillera at Camp Bado Dangwa here on Friday.

The destruction of the firearms is under the normalization program of the Government of the Philippines - Cordillera Bodong Administration – Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (GPH – CBA – CPLA) Peace Process, also known as the Mt. Data Peace Accord signed on September 13, 1986. The agreement also paved the way for the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region under Executive Order No. 220.

“Mula nilagdaan ang Mt. Data Peace Accord noong Sept 13, 1986, ang pamahalaan at ang CBA – CPLa ay patuloy na nagtutulungan upang makamit ang ating nag-iisang layunin - ang pag-buo ng isang tahimik, maayos at progresibong Cordillera” (Since the Mt. Data Peace Accord was signed on Sept. 13, 1986, the government and the CBA-CPLA are continuously working together to achieve the single objective- to establish a peaceful, orderly and progressive Cordillera), he said..

“Ngunit hindi po dito natatapos sa okasyong ito ang prosesong pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng CBA – CPLA, sa halip inaasahan po natin na mas titibay pa ang samahan na ito dahil sa iba pang kasunduan na ating ipapapatupad,” he added.

Galvez outlined that for 24 years, numerous socio – economic development programs were already implemented under the peace accord including the reintegration of several members of the CBA – CPLA in the Philippine Army and employment of others as “Bantay Gubat” or forest guard of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as enrollment to Philhealth and education assistance.

There were also provision of livelihood assistance, assistance in the organization of 10 people organizations plus various different development projects in the communities such as farm to market roads and tribal houses among others, he added.

Galvez assured the continuing implementation of all the agreements under the peace accord. Through OPAPP and under the guidance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Galvez said they will continue to implement under the GPH – CBA – CPLA Peace Accord and will review if there are more government assistance they can provide

At present, OPAPP is pushing in Congress the inclusion of around P225.42 million in the OPAPP budget for calendar year 2021 for the funding of other socio – economic development projects under the peace accord, he added.

Joining Galvez in the ceremony were Assistant Secretary for Reconciliation and Immunity Andres Aguinaldo Jr., Philippine National Police Peace Process and Development Center Chief PBGen. Walter Castillejos, Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Commander MGen. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., Philippine Army 503rd Brigade Commander Henry Doyaoen, Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Police Regional Office – Cordillera officials headed by Director PGen R’Win Pagkalinawan.

Also present were members of the Peace Accord Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee headed by Chairperson PA 5th Infantry Division Commander MGen Arnulfo Burgos Jr. and Vice – chairperson Andres Ngao-i and other former officials and elders of the CBA – CPLA. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056915