WESTERN Visayas is charting a path toward peace and security, demonstrating significant progress yet facing ongoing challenges. This is highlighted by the declaration of numerous barangays as free from communist insurgency. However, the journey towards an entirely peaceful and secure region is far from over.
The Regional Development Council (RDC) cited the improved crime rates and solution efficiency. The military’s efforts, supported by the Barangay Development Fund, which allocated P1.480 billion for projects in cleared villages, signify a robust commitment to dismantling the roots of conflict.
Yet, the persistence of illegal drug-related issues and deficiencies in police recruitment and equipment underscore the multifaceted nature of regional security challenges. Indeed, peace in Western Visayas is not merely the absence of armed conflict but also involves addressing socioeconomic disparities, drug abuse, and infrastructural deficits.
RDC’s suggested strategy, embracing a whole-of-government approach to counter local communist armed conflict through socio-economic interventions, is an innovative model that other regions might well consider.
The establishment of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, focusing on 12 lines of efforts, aims not just at quelling insurgencies but also fostering socioeconomic development. This strategy, part of the broader Regional Development Plan for 2023 – 2028, emphasizes creating livable communities with safe, inclusive environments, and responsive governance systems.
As Western Visayas moves forward, it’s essential to remember that the foundation of lasting peace lies in addressing the underlying causes of conflict and insecurity. This includes not only tackling the symptoms, such as crime and insurgency, but also investing in long-term development goals: education, healthcare, affordable housing, and economic opportunities.
The commitment to environmental protection and a participatory approach in peace and security efforts is a step in the right direction, too. It acknowledges that environmental degradation can exacerbate vulnerabilities and conflicts, thereby hindering sustainable development.
It’s not enough to celebrate the victories against insurgency without addressing the root causes of vulnerability and conflict. The government, communities, and all stakeholders must continue to collaborate, ensuring that Western Visayas’ development strategies are inclusive, sustainable, and, most importantly, conducive to lasting peace.
