Business community, Army and PNP converge for peace

By 1002nd BRIGADE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

 

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 26, 2013) – The Army and PNP units in South Cotabato, Sarangani and Gensan (SoCSarGen) met with the business community at General Santos City Tuesday afternoon (July 23) to tackle the government’s peace initiatives.

 

The Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (RJPSCC) XII through the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and the 27th Infantry Battalion initiated the dialogue with the theme “Security: A Shared Responsibility” to provide updates on the current peace and security situation in SoCSarGen and to identify the security concerns of the business sector.  It is further aimed to strengthen the “bayanihan” efforts of the business community, the Army and the PNP in addressing security concerns and in fostering a strong economic security in the area.

 

One of the speakers, Senen Bacani, member of the GPH-MILF Peace Panel, talked on the recently signed Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.  Citing the government’s stand on the agreement, Bacani said that the Bangsamoro must be equipped with adequate resources in order to effectively discharge its powers and to carry out its functions, thus, wealth creation is important for the operation of the Bangsamoro.

 

Ednar Dayanghirang, member of GPH-NDF Peace Panel, discussed the importance of the Local Peace Initiative (LPI), which is the people’s initiative in conflict- and insurgency-affected communities.  He also added that LPI is the people’s contribution to the greater effort in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace in the community.

 

Also discussed in the dialogue was the New People’s Army’s (NPA) extortion scheme or the Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri (RBKU) wherein they (the NPA) extort from the business firms in exchange for permit to operate and immunity from NPA hostile actions.

 

“The Army will always work for the safety and welfare of our communities.  Through the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and our united efforts, we can protect our communities and our economy from the hostile actions of the NPA.  I, therefore, urged all stakeholders to unite and take his share of responsibility in attaining a lasting peace and sustainable development in the region”, said Major General Ariel Bernardo, the Commander of the 10th Infantry Division.

 

In closing, James Catalan, Consultant of the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and representing the media sector, gave his appreciation to the military for their whole-hearted commitment in pursuing peace in the Region.

 

The recent dialogue was the second in the series, which will be conducted on a quarterly basis.  The first was conducted on April 12 this year. (1002nd BRIGADE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE)