PB backs anti-insurgency measures

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board had passed a resolution supporting President Rodrigo Duterte’s counter-insurgency measures.

The resolution authored by Sixth District Board Member Thadeo Jovito Ouano expressed the province’s full support to the Executive Order 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to countering insurgency.

It also directs for the creation of a national task force particularly to address the armed conflict waged by communist groups and the forging of a “peace framework.”

The peace framework is set to contain principles, policies, plans and programs to supposedly address the root causes of insurgency in the country.

The EO further stated that the framework will respond to the local needs and specific situations of the different local government units in the country. With this, peace negotiations will be conducted on a local level but will remain nationally-initiated.

Section 4 of the EO empowers the national task force to enlist the assistance of different bodies of government, including local government units (LGUs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the implementation of the plans of action in accordance to their respective jurisdictions.

With this, the Province of Cebu manifested its eagerness to take part in the peace efforts initiated by the national government.

“There is no reason for anyone to support the rebel cause considering that our government is now extensively addressing the issues being used by the communist group, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, and encourages the members to return to the fold of the law and join the government’s movement for a peaceful and progressive community,” the resolution reads.

The board also recognized the need for a consolidated effort between the police, the military and the civilian population to quell the insurgency problem.

Copies of the resolution will be furnished to the Department of Interior and Local Governance (DILG)- Cebu Provincial Director, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command Chief, the Police Regional Office-7 Director and the Director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office. (FREEMAN)