- Published: 15 January 2014
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – In
recognition of the role of local governments in internal security, the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) turned over to the Provincial
Government of Pampanga the lead role in fighting insurgency after
decades of a successful campaign of the military against the New
People's Army.
In
a ceremony held today, January 15 in Bacolor Pampanga, the AFP led by
its Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T Bautista signed a memorandum of
agreement declaring the province as "peaceful and ready for further
development."
Gen
Bautista was joined by LtGen Gregorio Pio P Catapang, Commander of
Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM); MGen Hernando DCA Iriberri, Commander
of 7th Infantry Division; and BGen Henry G Sabarre, 703rd Infantry
Brigade; Pampanga governor Lilia G Pineda; and other local government
and police officials.
With
the MOA, the Philippine National Police will now take the lead role in
fighting insurgents with the support of a military that will remain
primarily for stakeholder engagement programs.
The
MOA is also a formal demonstration of different LGUs and other
Government agencies to reinvigorate their role in peace and development
in their community. This is also a way to accept and assert the local
government's lead role in orchestrating the efforts of all agencies and
stakeholders in the delivery of services designed to address the primary
socio-economic issues.
Pampanga
is the last province out of the 22 provinces in NOLCOM area to be
declared as peaceful with the constant decline of NPA members and their
mass base support.
A
total of 21 provinces were declared peaceful in the area from 2009 to
2013 with La union and Nueva Viscaya in 2009; Apayao, Aurora, Quirino,
Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Kalinga in 2010; Ilocos Norte and
Benguet in 2011; Zambales, Abra and Bataan in 2012; Batanes, Ilocos Sur,
Isabela, Cagayan, Ifugao, Bulacan and Mt. Province in 2013. At present a
total of 43 out of 75 provinces nationwide were already normalized.
"Pampanga
was the last in the 22 provinces under the area of Northern Luzon
Command to be normalized. Thus, the entire NOLCOM is now ready for
further development," Lt. Gen Catapang said.
Earlier
this month, NOLCOM troops began workshops and contingency planning with
the MMDA, NDRRMC, DSWD, PNP and other stakeholders related to
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. Emergency operations
center was established in NOLCOM, transportation and safety of
evacuation centers were also being continually discussed and identified.
In addition, all military camps under the area command have developed
evacuation site inside their premises to accommodate people when
disaster strikes.
"The
declaration of these provinces as peaceful and ready for further
development is a manifestation of the continued support of stakeholders
and our people in winning the peace" Lt. Gen Catapang concluded.
AFP Websites
Links:
OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS WEBSITES
http://www.philippineinsurgency.co.nr/
http://www.philippineinsurgency.co.nr/
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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