BACOLOD CITY (PIA) – Authorities in Negros Occidental are attributing the successes in the anti-insurgency and anti-illegal drugs campaigns to the active collaboration of government entities and other stakeholders.
The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drugs Abuse Council (PADAC), working within the framework of the whole-of-nation approach, have achieved significant milestones this year.
Combating Insurgency Through Collaboration:
The PPOC, in partnership with the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), has implemented a range of initiatives to sustain peace-building efforts in local communities. These include:
Transformative Mediation Workshop: Providing punong barangays with conflict resolution skills.
Financial Assistance to Former Rebels (FRs): Supporting reintegration through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Social Entrepreneurship Training for FR Spouses: Empowering spouses of former rebels with skills for economic independence.
“Halfway House” in Murcia: Providing temporary shelter and livelihood training for former rebels.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP): Bringing development projects to communities in Cauayan, Ilog, Kabankalan City, and other localities.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) program, is enhancing police presence at the grassroots level and promoting community-oriented policing.
The Philippine Army (PA) emphasizes the role of government programs and projects in addressing the root causes of insurgency by bringing basic services and development packages to former conflict-affected areas.
Anti-Drug Campaign Gains Momentum:
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reports that the Barangay Drug Clearing Program has achieved 83.19 percent completion as of September 2024. PDEA expects to achieve 100 percent completion soon, facilitated by its continued partnership and close working relations with government institutions and stakeholders.
Sustaining Peace and Security:
Officials from both the PPOC and PADAC reiterate the importance of the whole-of-nation approach in sustaining peace and security, and eradicating the remaining threats to the inclusive and sustainable development of Negros Occidental.
Looking Ahead:
For 2025, the PPOC and PADAC have approved and endorsed over P113 million in funding to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for its projects, activities, plans, and services (PAPs). This demonstrates their commitment to continuing these successful efforts.
The collaborative approach in Negros Occidental serves as a model for effectively addressing complex challenges like insurgency and illegal drugs, highlighting the power of unity and shared responsibility in achieving lasting peace and security. (AGP/BPS/PIA Negros Occidental)
