RPOC backs multi-sectoral peace dialogue with CFO members
By Carlito Dar
RPOC chairperson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong reviewing the resolution presented by DILG-CAR OIC Regional Director Araceli San Jose, before signing the document. (Photo below right) Philippine Army 702 BDE 7ID Commander BGEN Krishnamurti provides peace and order reports under his area of responsibility which includes parts of Abra, Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur. (CCD/PIA CAR)
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) approved the adoption of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) resolution for multi-sectoral groups to conduct peace dialogues with members of the communist front organizations(CFOs) in line with the whole-of-nation approach to end local armed conflict.
In RLECC Resolution No. 6, members of law enforcement agencies together with representatives of local government units, a religious sector and non-government organizations are enjoined to conduct “Dumanun Makitungtung” strategy to known members of communist front organizations.
Under the strategy, the multi-sectoral team will conduct house visitation of known members of CTOs and plea for them, with utmost courtesy and respect for human rights, to stop dealing with or supporting the CPP – NPA – NDF.
IThe RPOC resolution was signed by RPOC chairperson and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the third quarter meeting at the Plaza Lodge hotel here last August 19.
Copies of the RPOC and RLECC resolutions will be furnished to provincial and highly urbanized city POCs for their adoption and to request them to enjoin their local POCs to do the same.
The same resolutions will also be forwarded to the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict and the National Peace and Order Council through the Department of the Interior and Local Government for information.
The RLECC, headed by the Police Regional Office – Cordillera will draft the operational guidelines for the “Dumanun Makitungtung” strategy.
Meantime, the PRO – Cor said the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in Cordillera is gaining ground with more communist terrorist group members returning to the fold of the law.
From June to July of this year alone, 63 personalities surrendered with 37 assorted firearms and 13 assorted explosives, the PRO – Cor reported. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)
