DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Sept. 8 (PIA) --  The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here has urged all local chief executives in Negros Oriental to lead the anti-insurgency campaign.

The PPOC issued a resolution on Sept. 4 aimed at strengthening the efforts of the local government units (LGUs) to create mechanisms to address the insurgency problem.

Brigade Commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, Gen. Joey Escanillas, underscored that security operations are not the only solution of the insurgency problem in the province.

The LGUs and the mayors have to lead the efforts to ensure the safety of the wellbeing of their constituents by implementing the delivery of basic services and anti-poverty or development programs, said Escanillas.

The “whole-of-community” approach is a potent strategy in defeating the more than 50-year insurgency problem created by communist terrorists, he added.

The resolution stated that remnants of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) continue to operate in the province, committing deceit against several people’s organizations, communities, and some government agencies and LGUs.

Civil Military Officer of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, Army Major Jecey Batiller, reported that the CTG is using established non-government organizations in the guise of implementing several projects in the hinterland barangays.

Based on the revelations of rebel returnees and other documents recovered by the military, it was found out that most of the issues being used by CTGs to arouse the masses are due to poverty and the lack of basic services from the government. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)