IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – In a recent Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC)-9 meeting, Manuel M. Bonoan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security IX, extended gratitude to the member-agencies for their unwavering commitment to peace-building initiatives.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of addressing the root causes of communist insurgencies in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Secretary Bonoan emphasized the collective efforts of the government and various agencies in providing essential assistance to affected communities and barangays.
MGen Gabriel C Viray III, secretariat of JRTF IX and commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, through his representatives from the 102nd Brigade, also contributed to the meeting by presenting the Peace and Order and Security Status of Region 9.
This included insights into the security landscape, highlighting significant achievements in maintaining peace and stability.
The report also revealed that the Sulu archipelago, long plagued by extremist threats from groups like Abu Sayyaf, has been declared ASG-free since late last year.
Basilan, another area of concern, has witnessed remarkable progress. Key figures responsible for bombings and other atrocities have been neutralized, according to the report. With the eradication of ASG leadership and infrastructure in Basilan, the region has taken a significant step towards lasting peace.
The report further emphasized the comprehensive approach undertaken in the Zamboanga Peninsula, with the successful clearing of all guerrilla fronts and NPA strongholds in the region.
Secretary Bonoan highlighted that this achievement stands as a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative efforts, emphasizing that the whole-of-nation approach of ELCAC has yielded tangible results.
“After hearing your report, I am pleased that Region 9 is now generally peaceful,” he said.
Acknowledging the progress achieved, the Secretary urged continued vigilance and momentum in the ongoing efforts towards nation-building.
“Today’s meeting serves as a reflection of our dedication and a testament to our unwavering consistency,” remarked the Secretary. He continued “it provides an opportunity to assess the distance covered and set ambitious targets for the future, with a shared vision of a brighter tomorrow, particularly in the development of remote communities and the enhancement of accessibility to basic goods and services.”
“With each project delivered, we inch closer to eradicating poverty and fostering better opportunities for Zamboanguenos,” he emphasized.
He also stressed that guided by the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas governance framework, the call to action remains resolute – to uphold passion and unwavering commitment in the pursuit of peace and prosperity throughout the region.
As the meeting concluded, the Secretary reaffirmed the collective resolve of the taskforce to forge ahead, bolstered by the belief that through concerted efforts, a peaceful and prosperous future awaits Zamboanga Peninsula. (EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)
