ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA)– The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) called on universities and communities in Western Visayas to help end the insurgency during the media orientation in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 6 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
OPAPRU Regional Adviser on Peace and Security MGen. Rene Glen Paje emphasized that there are other means to achieve and improve the delivery of services to the people, and it does not have to involve a form of rebellion or revolution.
“We can evolve into a better society, a better government, that can address the issues and concerns ng mga mamayan natin. But engaging in destructive activity, hindi tayo mag e-evolve o mag proprogress at mas babagsak pa tayo,” the OPAPRU Regional Adviser on Peace and Security noted.
(We can evolve into a better society, a better government, that can address the issues and concerns of our citizens. However, by engaging in destructive activities, we will not progress or evolve, we will only regress further.)
He stated that there is a thin line between activism and being a supporter of the armed groups.
“We are in a democratic society, we’re free, we have the liberty to think. Ang bawal lang yung may armas ka o yung susuportahan mo ang rebellion,” Paje added.
(We are in a democratic society, we’re free, and we have the liberty to think. The only thing that is prohibited is carrying weapons or supporting rebellion.)
Moreover, PIA Assistant Director General lawyer Tadeo Culla highlighted that the Philippine Information Agency as the information arm of the government, is steadfast in communicating with the government and its agencies in promoting peace.
“Nandun lang ang PIA para ipahayag kung ano ba ang ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan sa peace initiatives at kung ano ba ang pakinabang na makukuha ng ating mga mamamayan kung sila ay makikilahok sa inisyatibo ng gobyerno,” Culla added.
(The PIA is here to convey what the government is doing in its peace initiatives and to explain to the citizens the benefits that they will gain if they participate in these government initiatives.)
Further, OPAPRU Western Visayas Area Management Unit Juniel Guath said that OPAPRU is providing funds to some government programs that they see relevant in sustaining the peace efforts.
“Ang mga programs are implemented by (other partner) agencies, may mga pondo rin ito na binaba natin sa mga agencies just like the sustainable livelihood program at iba pang tulong para sa ating mamamayan,” she added.
(The programs are implemented by other agencies, and we also have allocated funds to these agencies, such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program and other forms of assistance for our citizens.) (AGP/PLF/PIA Capiz)
