BANGUED, Abra (PIA) --The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) recently convened an interagency meeting to discuss operationalization of the localized peace engagement (LPE) and transformation program (TP) in the province.

Abra is one of 17 provinces in the country identified as priority area for the implementation of the transformation program, Chrisol Catalino, LPE Coordinator from OPAPRU Central Office, informed.  

Catalino said the   TP aims to ensure the successful integration of former rebels to mainstream society to aid them in their transformation.  Likewise, it helps FRs to cope with the continuous advancement of the society after their return.

But this is not only intended for FRs as this also addresses the post-effects of insurgency among local communities and builds resiliency of vulnerable communities against infiltration of communist terrorists groups (CTGs), he explained.

OPAPRU Consultant and Ret. BGen. Ramon Yogyog outlined the importance of the various government interventions in this case.

 “With the help of the different government programs for FRs, peace and order among these areas will be sustained, and also the affected barangays are more resistant against any further influence,” he said.

An initiative of the National Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), this TP will be led by the Provincial Task Force- ELCAC at the local level.

Vice Governor Joy Bernos committed the support and leadership of the provincial government in the continuous combat against the CTGs towards sustainable peace and order especially among vulnerable communities.

 “Bata pa lang ako, marami na kaming naririnig na mga balita about sa mga rebelde dito sa Abra. So, we commit our continuous support to end insurgency here in Abra,” Bernos said.

As discussed, part of the initial operationalization of the program is a pre-work planning and workshop set next month. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)