Peace Processes to be Localized
By: Camille R. Bumatay, OPG-MPIU | Photo By: Sonny Buenaventura and Wendell Tangalin, OPG-MPIU | Date: November 7, 2019
National Security Adviser and Director General Hon. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. of the National Security Council calls to order the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Region 1 Executive Committee Meeting at Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union on November 7, 2019. As the presiding officer of the said meeting, Hon. Esperon commended the love of Gov. Pacoy to the Province of La Union and his efforts to help the region as the Regional Peace and Order Council Chairman.
Localizing peace processes was highlighted during the Executive Committee Meeting of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) Region 1 at the Diego Silang Hall, City of San Fernando, La Union on November 7, 2019.
RTF ELCAC aims to reinforce the plans on creating provincial, city and municipal task forces to end local communist armed conflict. Said local task forces will be headed by the governors and mayors. Operation centers will also be established.
In an interview, National Security Adviser and Director General Hon. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. of the National Security Council highlighted the Comprehensive Local Enhancement Program of RTF ELCAC to help more surrenderees.
Cluster Lead Agencies of the RTF ELCAC are Department of the Interior and Local Government; Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Justice - Regional Prosecutor's Office; Philippine Information Agency; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; Armed Forces of the Philippines; Department of Public Works and Highway; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; and Commission on Higher Education. These agencies have their line-up of activities to support the vision of RTF ELCAC.
Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III said, “…they [civilians] then would have a chance to get out of their vulnerable situation and be safe-guarded from recruitment efforts of the armed rebel groups,” as he gave his commitment to support the plans of RTF ELCAC in his speech delivered by Provincial Information Officer Adamor L. Dagang.
