PILI, Camarines Sur, April 18 (PIA) ---The Philippine Army’s unremitting campaign to decrease the threat of insurgency in conflict areas in the province and pursue peace and security efforts in their respective areas of responsibilities has finally gained ground when members of the Camarines Sur Peace and Order Council (POC) unanimously approved a resolution declaring the province as Conflict-Manageable and ready for further development.
Resolution No. 2015-01 gained the nod of the members of the POC during Thursday’s meeting held at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol Complex after LTC Delfin M. Arguelles, Commanding Officer of the 42nd Infantry (TAGAPAGTANGGOL) Battalion, 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division of Philippine Army (PA) presented the achievements of the government troopers in fighting insurgency in the province.
Arguelles stated that the decline of security threat resulted in economic growth.
“We attribute the improved security situation to the strong collaborated efforts of all our stakeholders. The continued support of the community in our peace efforts is indeed a big help in the attainment of peace. Our Internal Peace and Security Plan which includes “Bayanihan” is not only winning the peace but winning progress and prosperity as well.”
The Philippine Army’s report also showed that the CNN strength and firearms have significantly decreased from 2004 to 2014, from 74 to 91 percent. Most violent activities like harassments and liquidation and most non-violent activities like movements and mass actions also followed a downward trend.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) continued commitment through the conduct of various activities especially the Intensified Stakeholder Engagement with the local government units (LGUs) has also resulted in the increase of the province’s production of poultry, agricultural crop, fish and an improved tourism activity.
Investors poured in made visible by the influx of commercial establishments in the province, like car companies, convenient stores, gasoline stations and banks among others. Currently, the province has a total of 3,469 registered establishments.
The PA’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) enabled former rebels to return to the folds of law and start anew. Bayanihan Team Activities (BTAO) showcased its paradigm shift from Enemy Centered to People-Centered Approach which resulted to a more cooperative community.
Bayanihan activities were already implemented in the remote barangays of Iriga City, Buhi, Baao, Bato, Bula, Caramoan, Lagonoy, Calabanga, Tinambac and Garchitorena.
The various PA Divisions and Battalions- the 902nd Infantry Brigade, 9th ID headed by Commanding Officer Col. Amador T. Tabuga, Jr. , 22nd IB headed by Commanding Officer LTC Lenart R. Lelina and the 42nd IB headed by Arguelles, 9th CMO Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Joselito P. Pastrana, among others, were all instrumental in the successful implementation of Sama-Sama at Sari-Saring mga Serbisyo para sa Sambayanan or the 4S program of the Philippine Army.
The PA has also engaged the members of the community to be economically productive through the various projects under their Integrated Skills and livelihood Training or I-SAT. They made themselves visible also by supporting various Brigada Eskwela activities and engaged the youth in productive activities through their Youth Leadership Summit (YLS).
All of these accomplishments are geared towards the realization of the PA’s Core purpose which is to serve the people and secure the land. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)