Peace in polls; For Agrarian Reform, Army, police, church sign pact

CEBU, Philippines - A communiqué for peace was signed by members of the Church-Military and Police Advisory Group (CMPAG) in Negros in the presence of top military and police officials led by Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista last Thursday.

The communiqué was signed as part of the 5th anniversary activity of CMPAG-Negros held at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City. It seeks to win the peace in Negros, promote a secure and fair election, and support the effective implementation of agrarian reform.

The signatories from the Catholic church are Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra, Kabankalan Bishop Patricio Buzon, Msgr. Patrick Daniel Parcon of the Diocese of San Carlos, and Msgr. Gamaliel Tulabing of the Diocese of Dumaguete.

Col. Oscar Lactao and Col. Francisco Patrimonio, commanders of the Army’s 303rd and 302nd Infantry Brigades, signed for the military while Senior Supt. Celestino Guara, caretaker of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, for the police.

Formed on March 4, 2008, CMPAG-Negros was initially composed of representatives from the four dioceses in Negros Island and Philippine Army units. In May the following year, the Philippine National Police joined as regular member and in Oct. 18, 2012, the new name CMPAG-Negros was adopted.

The signing rites was witnessed by Navy Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado; Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division; and Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, director of Police Regional Office 6.

The group said that in connection with the national and local elections, they will promote a secure and fair election, and intelligent selection of leaders who can provide good governance needed in these crucial times.

“The outcome of this election will have an impact on the future of Negrenses and the entire country,” they added.

To win the peace in Negros, CMPAG said the military and police will continue to work with other stakeholders in addressing security threats and challenges to address the social issues that feed the armed conflict.

“For the attainment of these objectives, we dedicate themselves for our people to enjoy a life without fear, a choice without being forced, and an act that promotes freedom, justice and equality for all,” the CMPAG-Negros members added.

Navarra acknowledged that the relationship between the military and Church is good because there is visible cooperation among them. /JMO (FREEMAN)