CentCom moves for sustainable victory vs rebellion in the Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — Lieutenant General Paul Talay Atal, commander of the Central Command (CentCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) visited Negros Occidental last March 10 to meet with the mayors there, and representatives from the regional civil government agencies to discuss the problem of insurgency.

Atal was in the province, his third visit of Negros island this year, for a mission of strengthening partnership with the local chief executives of Negros Occidental to forge a holistic, LGU-driven, and people-centered approach to the insurgency problem in the province.

The visit of Atal had coincided with the launching of the "Malasakit sa Bayan Para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran" program, in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas of Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, who was also the guest of honor and speaker for the event, held at a resort in Talisay City.

Atal's dialogue with the mayors was intended to draw solutions to the problem of insurgency at its roots, such that it would no longer have the capability of resurrecting even after the defeat of the communists' armed group, the New People's Army.

"We have to admit that we cannot solve the insurgency problem alone. The solution to this multi-dimensional issue must be a concerted effort of all the stakeholders in the community, especially the local government units," Atal told the mayors.

Dino, during the discussion, emphasized the need for all LGUs and agencies to work together, to realize the change that President Rodrigo Duterte has envisioned for the country. Quoting the President, he said: "Enduring peace can only be attained if the fundamental needs of every man, woman and child will be met."

Dino said that the Malasakit Program is the government's "way of connecting with the communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas for the resolution of issues that turn our communities into a fertile ground for radicalization."

Atal later presented the dynamics of the insurgency problem in Negros Occidental, focusing on the sugarcane industry, the main industry that propels the growth of the province, which is threatened by various factors.

Mary Antoinette Tampo, OIC assistant administrator of the Visayas of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, said sugar production in the province is on a decline caused by, among others, the entry of sugar substitute-high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)–and the shift of work preference by sugarcane workers to other jobs.

The highest military official in the Visayas later flew to Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, where he visited and commended the units and personnel who were responsible in the successful arrest of six communist terrorists in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, a week ago.

Atal lauded his men for upholding human rights and the international humanitarian law during the encounter, unmindful of personal risks.

"This is just a start of our journey for peace. There will be obstacles along the way but we must persevere because we cannot fail our people," Atal told the soldiers of the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion of the 303rd Infantry (Brown Eagle) Brigade of  the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, which is headed by Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina.

The military troops said they were very happy and inspired in seeing their commanders visit them in the frontlines. — CentCom PIO via John Rey Saavedra, The Freeman's Nation editor