Students briefed on gov’t efforts to attain lasting peace

By: Lilibeth A. French

More than a thousand junior and high school students including faculty and staff of the Alcarde Gustilo Memorial National High School in Barangay Alibunan, Calinog, Iloilo join the Campus Peace and Development Forum at the school’s covered court on Nov 12.

They were made aware of their important role in the efforts and initiatives of the government in its continued pursuit of a lasting and sustainable peace and eradication of illegal drugs in the country.

Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Renato Landzabal of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Calinog presented to participants Executive Order No. 70 that institutionalizes the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” in attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace.

He said under the EO, a task force will be created that will ensure the implementation of the approach in the delivery of government services.

In Calinog, Landazabal said a joint meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council and Municipal Development Council will be held on Friday, November 15, for the forming of the Municipal Task Force that will also ensure the creation of the Barangay Task Force.

He said nobody will be left behind; everybody will help in resolving the problems on local insurgency which cause fears among residents in the community.

Calinog has been identified as an insurgency-affected municipality as a number of its barangays are influenced by insurgents. These barangays are Caratagan categorized as influenced, and Aglonok, Supanga, Marandig, and Guinbuyugan as less influenced.

On the other hand, Bobby Rodriguez of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 6, discussed the infiltration and recruitment of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the youth and student sector.

He told student participants that they are vulnerable to CTG recruitment and that they should be aware of the deceitful tactics or deceptive scheme of the CTGs.

Participants were also oriented by Patrolman Gerald Serafico from Police Regional Office 6 on “Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo,” a campaign aimed at engaging youth in discussions about illegal drugs and terrorism.

Principal Rameo Gonzales lauded the initiative which according to him is in consonance with their thrust to promote peace and safety in school.

He said the activity also further raised students’ awareness on illegal drugs and even other concern such as youth gang.

Gonzales cited an incident where he apprehended students from other school planning to recruit their students for gang membership.

Organized by the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 6 based in Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo, the Campus Peace and Development Forum intended to inform the students of government efforts in ensuring safety and well-being of Filipinos, according to LTC Dennis Alcarde, group commander. (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)