Army, MisOr village officials tandem in peace dialogue

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion of the Philippine Army and the members of the council of Barangay Kalipay in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental conducted a peace dialogue and consultation (pulong-pulong) among the residents in the area last September 8, 2020. The activity was facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) and the Community Action (ComAct) teams of the 23rd IB and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The pulong-pulong was organized to address the issues and concerns of the residents in Barangay Kalipay particularly on peace and order and on the encounter that erupted between the Army and the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) last May 10, 2020 in the area.

The activity also served as a venue where barangay officials and residents were informed on their responsibilities and roles in promoting peace and development in their community in relation to the implementation of Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach to end the local communist armed conflict especially in areas considered as geographically-isolated and disadvantaged.

An open forum was also conducted during the pulong-pulong where residents were given the opportunity to ventilate their concerns especially on the security situations. They also admitted that they provided support to the CNTs by force and fear.

The CNTs, they added, constantly threatened them to provide support and join the terrorist movement.

In his message, Kalipay Barangay Captain Ruel Mantantuan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to 23rd IB soldiers and the PNP for saving the barangay from the threats of CNTs. He also encouraged every parent to become vigilant and look after their children to protect them from the recruitment of the CNTs.

“We need to protect them from the deceptions of the CNTs. I hope that after this activity, you will become the parents who think about what will be your next step to change your community for the better,” Mantantuan said.

Datu Sinangunan Estoryano Mandahinog, an IP leader in the area also joined the pulong-pulong and emphasized the seriousness of the government in the pursuit of genuine peace and development.

“Suportaran nato ang atong gobyerno, magka hiusa kita ug magtinabangay para makab-ot na to ang kalinaw nga dugay na nato nga gipangandoy. Lisod kaayo ang kinabuhi kung ang NPA magpabilin sa atong barangays. Atong huna-hunaon ang kaugmaon sa atong mga anak ug panganduyon nato nga dili na nila maagihan ang kagubot ug kalisod nga gihimo sa NPA kanato. Atong protektahan ang atong barangay para dili na makasolod na dautang grupo,” Mandahinog said.

For his part, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB expressed gratitude to the support provided by the barangay council s as well as the residents of Kalipay.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the council members for their never-ending support and generosity as they never get tired of helping us conduct our activities. The collaboration of efforts between the 23rd IB and the barangay officials is one of the keys to reach the everlasting peace and development,” Lt. Col. Paulo said.

He also urged the populace to cut-off their support and connection with the CNTs.

“Akong giawhag ang tanan na dili na mag-apil-apil og magsuporta sa teroristang CPP-NPA. Kung inyo ning ipadayon mabutang lang sa piligro ang inyong kinabuhi. Walay maayong mahatag ang Teroristang CPP-NPA kung dili kadautan og kagubot (I encourage everyone not to join and support the CNTs. It will not do you good but will only destroy and make your lives miserable.), " Lt. Col. Paulo added.

He also emphasized that with the Executive Order No. 70, the government will prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development in the conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities and will facilitate social inclusivity and ensure participation of all sectors.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 23rd Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond, PA