ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. believes that the “local peace engagement” program of the provincial government could significantly curb insurgency in the province.
According to Defensor, the armed conflict, which is not exclusive to Iloilo but is also present in various parts of the Philippines, is universally unwanted.
Recently, military-rebel clashes in Calinog and Lambunao towns left top leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island dead.
“It is very unfortunate that such events have to occur, but this is the current reality. However, the good news is that our province is actively working to make our local peace engagement efforts effective under the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) framework,” said Defensor.
Under the provincial government’s local peace engagement program, rebels can access various forms of assistance such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), livelihood support, and other aids.
Additionally, the provincial government has been rolling out infrastructure projects in NPA-affected barangays to bring development closer to the residents.
Defensor also emphasized that he treats everyone equally, whether they are ordinary citizens seeking help or families of NPA members looking to improve their communities.
“You are all the same to me; there is no difference to those who come to my office seeking help. We will maintain this approach to expedite the local peace process and advance it further,” added Defensor.
The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army aims to declare the entire Panay Island as a Stable Internal Peace and Security Stage (SIPSS) by the end of September 2024.
Major General Marion R. Sison, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, noted that the provinces of Antique, Iloilo, and Capiz are yet to be declared as SIPSS and are still in the conflict-manageable stage (CMS), which is the last phase before achieving SIPSS status.
Negros Occidental has already been declared SIPSS as of March 2024.
Sison explained that several criteria must be met for an area to be declared as SIPSS, including the remaining NPA forces in the area being unable to instigate conflict and their strength and manpower being significantly weakened.
Currently, he said, only one NPA guerrilla front remains active on Panay Island, known as the Central Panay Front, which is considered a weakened guerrilla front./PN
