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https://frontlinemindanaobalita.blogspot.com/2019/11/rtf-elcac-ix-launches-zapd-convergence.html
LAPUYAN, Zamboanga del Sur (Nov. 27,
2019) – The Regional
Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) for Region IX
(ZAMPEN Region) launched its flagship program dubbed ZAMPEN (Zamboanga
Peninsula) Area for Peace and Development or ZAPD in Brgy San Jose, Lapuyan
last Tuesday, November 26, 2019.
ZAPD aims to
synergize the efforts of all government agencies in the region and other
partner NGOs for the clearing of CPP-NPA influenced areas and making cleared
communities resilient from the resurgence of CPP-NPA influence.
In compliance
to the EO 70, which is better known as the Whole Of Nation approach to end
local communist insurgency, the concept of ZAPD is to bring development and
security to vulnerable communities so that social issues which are encouraging
our citizens to support and join the local insurgency will be addressed for
good.
The activity
was graced by USec Rene Glenn Paje, Undersecretary for Inclusive and
Sustainable Peace, DSWD as guest of honor.
USec Paje was
accompanied by Gov Victor J Yu of Zamboanga del Sur who is also very actively
implementing his province’s version of the TF-ELCAC.
Lapuyan Mayor
Joel Sulong, as host of the area, was also present to receive the guests and
participants of the event, and to express his unconditional support to the
program.
Also in
attendance were Colonel Leonel Nicolas, the commander of the 102nd Infantry
Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Marlowe Patria, commanding officer of the 53rd
Infantry Battallion, heads and representatives of regional offices.
After his
message Governor Yu rang the traditional gong three times to symbolize the
start of the ZAPD program, after which the RTF-ELCAC IX logo, which was mainly
designed by the 1st Infantry Division, was officially unveiled by the
distinguishes guests.
The program
ended with signing of pledge of commitment to the program by the guests, IP
leaders, and the locals.
During his
speech Hon. Victor Yu, Governor of Zamboanga del Sur, assured the locals of
Lapuyan that his administration is seriously implementing programs to bring about
progress in conflict affected communities which includes Lapuyan. He also vowed
to pave the road in the area to give the people of San Jose and its adjacent
barangays better opportunities to prosper.
“I am happy
to announce that with the RTF-ELCAC IX, more NPAs surrendered to our government
forces. We also urged the local officials and leaders to discourage the
constituents in supporting or joining the NPAs”, Yu said.
Meanwhile,
Usec. Rene Glen Paje of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
who represented Sec. Rolando Bautista, during his speech said that, “The Task
Force will deliver the basic services and encourage good governance. This will
also answer the problem of peace and security in our communities”.
“I enjoin
everyone to support the Regional Task Force ELCAC, the local government
agencies and units in order to attain a just and lasting peace and sustainable
development for our communities and for our future generations”, Paje added.
For his part,
Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force
Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) Acting commander, lauded the
Local government units, government agencies, 53rd Infantry Battalion and 102nd
Infantry Brigade for the momentous activity.
General
Gaerlan quoted that “Inter-agency convergence will bring inclusive and
sustainable development in the conflict affected communities in our area of
operations. Convergence will speed up our clearing of the conflict affected
areas and its development. We also encourage the NPAs to surrender and lay down
their firearms and benefit from the programs of the RTF – ELCAC IX for the
benefit of their families and their communities”.
In
conjunction with the launching ceremony was an RTF-ELCAC IX Serbisyo Caravan
which catered to more than 1000 locals who availed of the services which the
various government agencies delivered to the area. The 1st Infantry Division also
actively participated in the activity thru the 53rd IB and the 1CMOBn whose
responsible for the facilitation of medical assistance and distribution of 300
pairs of slippers during the event.
After the
launching ceremony, the RTF-ELCAC IX secretariat, together with Governor Yu
proceeded to the ground-breaking ceremony of the Zamboanga del Sur half-way
house for former rebels which was facilitated by the 53rd IB in Poblacion,
Guipos. Former rebels who are currently beneficiaries of the government’s Rebel
Reintegration Program were also presented during the event. (By
JONG CADION with DPAO Press release and photos)
