MANILA — Top military and civilian stakeholders crowded the guest list of Bulwagan Malimpuyo during the launching of Usapan Pangkapayapaan, Usapan Pangkaunlaran Southern Luzon at Fernando Air Base in Lipa, Batangas on Saturday.
Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, led the list that also included retired Gen. Rolando Jungco of National Defense College of the Philippines; Gina Gacusan, Regional Director of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); Engr. Ding Andal, Co-Chairperson of Regional Development Council; and, Ped Kalaw of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council.
Brig. General Joselito Ramos, Commander of Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AETDC) hosted the event while Col. Gerry Zamudio, Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Civil Military Operations of the Philippine Air Force, served as anchorperson.
Representing the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), Parlade called on all stakeholders to synchronize all government efforts in addressing the 50-year communist insurgency.
“With your help, we can end this problem in one year,” he said.
In December last year, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” to help the realization of the collective aspiration of the Filipino people to attain inclusive and sustainable peace in the country.
Under the Order, a task force was created to ensure efficient implementation of the approach which aims to address root causes of insurgencies, international disturbances, tensions and other armed conflicts and threats.
Zamudio said Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, Commanding General of Philippine Air Force (PAF), desires to increase the Air Force’ support to the Community Support Program of AFP area commands.
In the Southern Luzon, Zamudio emphasized the need to collaborate “because the peace that we have been longing for is now within reach”.
“It all needs a little push to win the peace,” he said, adding that civilian participation is important for a wider sense of ownership after peace has been won.
