Military commander: Public involvement is crucial on peace effort

DAVAO ORIENTAL—The Commander of the 67th Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, has urged the people at the grassroots level to participate in their intensified campaign to attain a just and lasting peace in conflict affected areas. Lt. Col. Obligado, who was one of the guests during the ‘Kapihan sang Kapitolyo’ recently, said that they are conducting support operations since the first quarter of this year to defeat the CPP-NPA rebels, and prevent its resurgence and insulate unaffected areas to create conflict-resilient communities conducive for sustainable development.

However, he stressed that all their efforts will be wasted if the people in the community will not cooperate.

Despite the fact that the AFP’s ratio to the NPA rebels is one is to a thousand, the military is persistently calling for the cooperation of the communities as the insurgents are persistently trying to regain their influence here. He added that the NPAs are specifically targeting ‘lumads’ or native Mandaya tribesmen to join their ranks. As of 2006-2015, 74% of those who surrendered to the government are ‘lumads’. The rebels are even more drawn to the province because of its highly agricultural lands. The more than 70% recruited farmers and 18% laborers, joined the movement due to the promise of financial support by the lawless armed groups that their recruits have never received.

Obligado, however, said that residents under his area of jurisdiction which is the first district of Davao Oriental and one town of Surigao del Sur have been cooperating with the government’s peace efforts. “People no longer accept the CPP-NPA. The rebels are now staying in their camps.” He added that the civilians, especially those who have been victims of extortion, have started participating in their initiatives by filing a complaint. Meanwhile, Obligado stressed that barangay officials should also be empowered to perform their functions as the rebels have organized a shadow government that suppresses the duly constituted officials.

Anchored on the Philippine Army’s strategic initiatives, addressing the root causes of insurgency is the key to attaining long lasting peace. “There should be a livelihood program in partnership with other agencies, particularly the Department of Agriculture”, he explained. The battalion commander has also called on the media to help them in their intensified campaign against insurgency. (with Riza M. Golez)