NORTHERN Mindanao is on the path to sustainable peace, thanks to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (Opapru). On October 5, Opapru launched the Local Peace Engagement and Transformation Program (LPETP) Regional Consultation and Orientation.
This event serves as a prelude to the Provincial and Regional Prework and Planning Workshop slated for October 10-12.
The upcoming workshop intends to bolster mechanisms vital for maintaining the victories achieved in suppressing the local communist insurgency.
It also aims to devise strategies for the comprehensive transformation of former rebels and their families.
Retired Maj. General Edgardo de Leon, Opapru's regional adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity, underscored the significance of hearing from former rebels.
"We want to know from them how we can enhance ECLIP [Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program]," de Leon said.
"By the end of today's session, we should all have a clear understanding of what the transformation program entails, he said.
On the anti-insurgency front, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10) has made notable strides.
As of July 2023, immediate assistance totaling P1.7 million was offered to 121 former rebels.
In addition, 33 former rebels received firearms remuneration (P2.7 million), and 100 received reintegration assistance (P1.6 million).
Edward Bhagwani, DILG-10's Special Assistant to the Regional Director, commented on these efforts.
"This is how we strengthen our program and our campaign against insurgency," Bhagwani said.
Despite the challenges encountered in program implementation, Bhagwani stressed that the government, while not perfect, continues to uphold its duty to the public's welfare.
During the orientation, several concerns were raised, including the lack of a comprehensive database of former rebels with pending legal cases.
The workshop aims to address these issues, promoting better coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Opapru's roadmap for 2023-2025 outlines the mainstreaming and implementation of LPETP.
The transformation process will involve community consultations, dialogues with NPA combatants, and the execution of security, socio-economic, and reconciliation measures.
As the workshop draws near, Opapru remains unwavering in its commitment to local peace, resilience, and unity.
It strives for the full transformation of former rebels and their conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.
