Pandemic not a hindrance to peace, stability: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2021): Pandemic not a hindrance to peace, stability: Galvez (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is collaborating with several agencies in pursuit of the administration's Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda within targeted conflict-afflicted areas, notwithstanding the challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

OPAPP head Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said President Rodrigo Duterte's leadership inspires OPAPP, the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police to achieve milestones in addressing insurgency problems.

"I will do my best at iso-solve namin po ang problema sa (and we will solve the problems on the) ground, with the help of (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and (DILG) Secretary (Eduardo) Año," Galvez said during the President’s Talk to the People aired Monday night.

The former AFP chief said the country has established stability in implementing peace and order since 2017.

"The Duterte administration established a strong foundation in the implementation of the signed peace agreement for the next administration to build upon and sustain the gains of peace, particularly in Mindanao," he added.

Even amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Galvez said the peace process continues, including the implementation of the agreement between the government and former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"Nangangako po ang OPAPP na patuloy nitong itataguyod ang kapayapaan, pag-uunawaan at pagkakaisa. Sisiguraduhin namin po ang lahat na nakapaloob na kasunduang pangkapayapaan ay maisasakatuparan (I promised that OPAPP will continue to promote peace, understanding, and unity. We will make sure that all contents of the peace agreements will be fulfilled)," he added.

Galvez, also the country's vaccine czar and chief of the National Task Force Against Covid-19, said OPAPP will also help achieve a peaceful and orderly 2022 elections.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162037