By Eli C. Dalumpines
Philippine Information Agency
Military authorities have expressed confidence that the peace initiative that is proven successful in combating the communist insurgency in Bohol can be replicated in the different provinces in the country that have similar problems.
Maj. Lao A. Lucas, Executive Officer of the Army's 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Camp Rajah Sikatuna, Carmen town, some 56 kilometers northeast from here, said in an interview Tuesday that a successful peace initiative like that of Bohol can be attained if the government's National Internal Security Plan (NISP) gets the support of all sectors, including the local government officials.
According to Maj. Lucas, addressing a complex problem like insurgency calls for a more holistic approach like the one that is outlined in the NISP so that the participation of the different sectors of society is necessary.
"Like for instance, in NISP's 'Clear, Hold, Consolidate and Develop' strategy, the different agencies of the government and the local government units are expected to come in after the military has cleared the area of insurgents to initiate socio-economic interventions," the military officer stressed.
Lucas cited that with the support the provincial government of Bohol has extended to the former rebels to engage in any livelihood activities, the possibility of the people joining the revolutionary movement is remote.
Dr. Asteria Esturion, Bohol's point person in anti-insurgency, who is working with the Kauban sa Reporma, a group of former rebels who are now supporting the government's peace initiative, stressed the importance of adopting the strategy of convergence in ensuring the success of the program.
She said that this is true to Bohol where all government agencies go out to the communities to deliver basic services.
Esturion recounted that it is when the people of the remote communities benefited from these services that they stop entertaining the idea of rebelling against the government.
Maj. Anastacio L. Suaybaguio, 302nd Brigade's Civil Military Operations chief, meanwhile, admitted that the rebel returnees have helped a lot in the province's campaign against insurgency.
The military officer said the testimonies of the former rebels were instrumental in exposing the evils of the communist movement that serves as a warning to others from joining the rebels.
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