IBA, Zambales (PIA) -- Central Luzon Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) has reaffirmed support to the plans and programs to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).
 
“Overall, we can firmly assert that the whole-of-nation approach is significantly leading to positive effects in the security situation in all of our seven provinces and two highly-urbanized cities. With the efforts of different agencies and stakeholders converging, we have successfully maintained a peaceful and orderly region for the past years. Despite this, however, RPOC will remain steadfast. It will continue and further strengthen its efforts and support the plans and programs of the National Task Force (NTF) and Regional Task Force (RTF) ELCAC in curbing insurgency towards a more peaceful and progressive Central Luzon,” RPOC Chairperson and Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said.
 
During the NTF-RTF ELCAC Summing Up FY 2018-2021 and Ways Forward for 2022 and beyond session, Ebdane shared some of RPOC’s significant accomplishments.
 
“Provincial, City, Municipal, and Barangay ELCAC Task Forces were created in the region. These local task forces have declared the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as persona non grata which resulted in several neutralization of mass supporters,” he said.
 
He commended agencies and local governments for the work they’ve put to ensure that each thrust under ELCAC is aimed at excellent peacebuilding and good participatory governance.
 
“I also thank our military and police officers for working hand-in-hand to conduct joint military and police operations in Central Luzon leading to the retrieval of firearms and neutralization of insurgents of whom were killed and arrested, and have surrendered. Among those arrested and killed were high ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army,” Ebdane furthered.
 
He also lauded the security forces for the official dismantling of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Sierra Madre which was one of the fronts of insurgency in the region.
 
KLG Sierra Madre was successfully dismantled in the first quarter of 2021 along with the clearing of barangays formerly under its influence.
 
Peoples’ organizations in those areas were established and are now supporting development efforts of the government.
 
Under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, many former rebels have received assistance for their return to mainstream society from 2018 to 2021.
 
“I thank all regional line agencies, local government units including barangays which are part of the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program and Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development Program since 2020,” Ebdane added.
 
“With proper coordination and support of different member agencies of NTF and RTF ELCAC, we were able to formulate plans and implement programs, projects and activities with the objective of achieving inclusive and lasting peace in Central Luzon,” the chairperson said.
 
Also, peace engagement activities with local rebel groups were conducted as well as an intensive advocacy campaign meant to educate the people on the atrocities of the CTG.
 
“Truly these were accomplished in less than four years and even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This proves that all of us share a vision of attaining peaceful, safe and thriving communities all across Central Luzon,” Ebdane ended. (CLJD-PIA 3)