By Nimfa Estrellado During the kick-off of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) IV-A (CALABARZON), in Camp Capinpin, Rizal on Friday,...
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| During the kick-off of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) IV-A (CALABARZON), in Camp Capinpin, Rizal on Friday, June 16, 2023. The said meeting was chaired by Hon. Angelina D.L. Tan, Governor of Quezon and was attended by the Department of Interior and Local Government IV-A Regional Director and RPOC IV-A Head Secretariat Dir. Ariel O. Iglesia CESO III, 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong, Philippine National Police Regional Office IV-A Regional Director PBrig. Gen. Carlito M. Gaces, together with representatives from other regional government agencies. (Photo from 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division, Philippine Army) |
LUCENA CITY - From August 2-4, 2023, three Milisya ng Bayan members and four Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad members surrendered, according to the Army's 2nd Infantry Division (2ID).
The surrender of communist militants in Quezon province, according to the Philippine Army, is a favorable indication for the government's reintegration efforts. These surrenders indicate the military's achievement in convincing Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members to abandon their armed battle and reintegrate into society.
Maj. General Roberto Capulong, Commander of 2ID, expressed his happiness with the recent surrenders in a statement, emphasizing the necessity of providing help and chances for former insurgents to reconstruct their lives.
The successful reintegration of these former rebels serves as a testament to the effectiveness of comprehensive programs aimed at bringing lasting peace to the region.
Collaboration among security forces, local governments, and stakeholders in promoting peace and empowering communities to be resilient in the face of CPP-NPA-NDF atrocities has been critical in achieving these positive outcomes.
He also urged the remaining NPA rebels to seize the opportunity for a better future by surrendering and engaging in reintegration programs. The government is committed to providing them with the necessary help and resources to reconstruct their lives and contribute to the general growth of their communities.
Meanwhile, six Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People's Army (CPP-NPA), and National Democratic Front (NDF) supporters from Catanauan and San Francisco in Quezon withdrew their support for the terrorist groups and decided to join the government's efforts for peace and progress.
The Municipal Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Catanauan and San Francisco, together with the 85th Infantry "Sandiwa" Battalion, Philippine Army, and local police stations, facilitated the surrender and integration of the former CPP-NPA members into mainstream society.
CTG militants and supporters surrendered within two months after the Army declared Quezon province an insurgency-free zone, demonstrating the success of the government's counterinsurgency operations. Angelina "Helen" Tan, Governor of Quezon, has promised to help former rebels integrate back into society as part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
The ECLIP provides a comprehensive package of benefits and support services to help former rebels reintegrate into society, including livelihood assistance, skills training, and psychosocial support. This program aims to address the root causes of insurgency and promote lasting peace and development in the region.
The governor believes that the efforts of the security forces to curb insurgency would further develop the local economy and usher in more investments into the province.
The inclusion of psychosocial support services recognizes the importance of addressing the emotional and mental well-being of these individuals during their transition.
The governor's belief in the positive impact of curbing insurgency on the local economy and attracting investments reflects a broader understanding of how stability and peace can contribute to overall development. (with reports from PIA)
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