CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) Commander Major Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., urges a unified effort to spur Northern Mindanao’s growth.
He underscored the vital role of Executive Order No. 70 or the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) initiative in achieving regional peace and development.
Ending the communist insurgency, he asserts, is not solely the military’s responsibility—it requires collective action from every Filipino.
“Armed conflict is not driven by ideology alone; it stems from deep-seated grievances linked to poverty, inequality, and a lack of opportunities, particularly in remote, disadvantaged communities,” Anayron explains.
To address these issues, the 4ID’s peace efforts focus on convergence, particularly through the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) program—an evolved version of the Peace and Development Zone (PDZ) concept—providing a holistic approach to peacebuilding.
Anayron emphasized that the army has successfully executed the “Clear” and “Hold” phases of its Clear-Hold-Consolidate-Develop (CHCD) strategy against the Communist Terrorist Group-New People’s Army. However, challenges persist in the “Consolidate” and “Develop” phases, where multisectoral collaboration is essential. The Peace and Development Zone concept was designed to bridge this gap, laying the foundation for CAPDev.
“To meet our ELCAC goals, we must address the root causes of insurgency through a whole-of-nation approach. Together, we will dismantle the machinery of conflict through good governance and essential services that promote social justice and empower communities. In close cooperation with local government units and national agencies, we will help provide education and livelihood opportunities for former rebels and ex-NPA mass-based supporters,” he said.
Anayron reaffirms that 4ID remains committed to going beyond military operations, working hand-in-hand with national agencies, local government units, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure lasting peace and development in its area of responsibility. (JAKA/PIA 10)
