Ang Pahayagan

BALER, Aurora- Members of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) convened on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 for its three (3) year Plan on “Transformation Program” (TP) in support of the implementation of the Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Cluster advocacy to sustain the livelihood programs and other service for the former rebels, their families and communities in the province of Aurora.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion said in an interview that the Aurora Transformation Program Plan for Peoples Organization (POs) composed of Former Rebels (FRs) and Mass Supporters gathered for a meeting spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) headed by retired Brigade General Abraham Claro C. Casis-Regional Adviser for Peace and Security in Region 3, Aurora Governor Christian A. Noveras together with the Department of Interior and local Government (DILG), PNP, Technical Education and Skills Development Center (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) among others held at Governor’s conference room, Capitol Compound, Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora.

Recto added that the registered POs are aiming to attain a just and lasting peace with the active support of the community and partner stakeholders in eliminating the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – New Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the community.

“This will give way to our POs, FRs and former underground mass supporters to be represented as they are now turning back to our mainstream society. This gathering also intends to further aid in continuity or extended among them for three years,” he said.

The Battalion Commander also added that the move is to give the beneficiaries sustainable livelihood thru the convergence of the local government units (LGUs) and Non-Government Agencies (NGAs) among others.

“This is a 3-year plan wherein the concerned agencies are in full support in the peacebuilding goal of the province to end local communist armed conflict. We will help them rebuild their lives as they reintegrate to their communities,” Recto said.

Meanwhile, General Casis expressed his sincerest thanks and gratitude for the overwhelming support from the provincial government of Aurora and other concerned agencies for building the path of peace and development in the province.

“We have our way that can eventually help our beneficiaries to get back on their feet and live normally in their communities with the government’s support,” Casis said. On the other hand, Gov. Noveras thanks the OPAPRU for working the reformation of former rebels together with other agencies. “This will provide our POs sustainability as they slowly return to the folds of the law. We aimed at providing them livelihood, security, as part of the whole of nation approach. We have over 80 provinces in the country, thank you for your concerted efforts to be one seeking for a lasting peace and development in our province,” he said. (Jason de Asis)