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OPAPRU initiates crucial steps for lasting peace in Normin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Working toward sustainable peace in Northern Mindanao, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) initiated the Local Peace Engagement and Transformation Program (LPETP) Regional Consultation and Orientation, October 5, here, as a prelude to the forthcoming Provincial and Regional Prework and Planning Workshop.

The workshop, set to transpire on October 10–12, aims to fortify mechanisms essential for sustaining the triumph in quelling local communist insurgency while outlining strategies for the comprehensive transformation of former rebels and their families.

Retired MGen Edgardo de Leon, OPAPRU regional adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity, emphasized the importance of hearing directly from former rebels, stating, "Gusto nating marining mula sa kanila [former rebels] kung paano pa mae-enhance ‘yung ECLIP [We want to hear from the former reels on how we can enhance ECLIP]. At the end of our session today, we will have a level understanding of what the transformation program is all about."

In the fight against insurgency, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 reported substantial progress as of July 2023, with immediate assistance provided to 121 former rebels amounting to P1.7 million. Additionally, 33 FRs received a combined firearm remuneration of P2.7 million, and reintegration assistance amounting to P1.6 million was provided for 100 FRs.

"Isa kini sa paagi nga unsaon nato pagpalig-on pa gyud kaayo atong programa sa atoang mga efforts para nga mas mapalig-on nato ang atong campaign to address the insurgency program [This is one of the ways that we can really strengthen our program in our efforts so that we can strengthen our campaign to address the insurgency program]," said DILG-10 Special Assistant to the Regional Director Edward Bhagwani.

Also, with the challenges that come along the way in implementing programs, Bhagwani said the government is not perfect, but it has not forgotten that its obligation is to provide help and welfare to the general people of the country.

Issues and concerns surfaced during the orientation, including the absence of a comprehensive database or file containing a list of all former rebels with pending cases. The workshop will address these challenges, fostering better coordination with law enforcement agencies.

The main goal of the OPAPRU Roadmap for 2023–2025 includes the mainstreaming and implementation of LPETP. The transformation process encompasses community consultations, dialogues with NPA combatants, and the implementation of security, socio-economic, and reconciliation measures.

As the workshop approaches, OPAPRU remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving local peace, resilience, and unity, striving for the complete transformation of former rebels and their communities in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity initiated the Local Peace Engagement and Transformation Program Regional Consultation and Orientation on October 5, 2023, in Cagayan de Oro City as a prelude to the forthcoming Provincial and Regional Prework and Planning Workshop. (RTP/PIA-10)
Retired MGen Edgardo de Leon, OPAPRU regional adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity, emphasized the importance of hearing directly from former rebels and shared that the orientation will help partner agencies understand what the transformation program is all about. (RTP/PIA-10)

About the Author

Recthie Paculba

Regional Editor

Region 10

Camiguin Information Center Manager 

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