By Jennifer P. Rendon
A group that identify themselves as “patriotic collective gathering composed of individuals and groups coming from various sector” was launched recently in Ajuy, Iloilo.
The Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN-PANAY) was officially unveiled on Sept 21, 2020 at the Alejo Posadas Memorial Elementary School in Poblacion, Ajuy.
SAMBAYANAN-PANAY, a Security and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered people’s organization, stands to support socio-political stability and the attainment of just, genuine, and lasting peace in Panay.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu, who is also the concurrent Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in Western Visayas, was the activity’s guest of honor and speaker.
DENR-6 regional director Francisco Milla Jr. represented Cimatu.
In a press statement, the group said they aimed to support the vision, mission and goal of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in implementing an efficient mechanism and structure for the whole-of-nation approach to realize the aspiration of the Filipino people to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.
Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. of Iloilo and Colonel Orlando Edralin, 301st Infantry Brigade deputy commander, attended the gathering.
Also in attendance were representatives of Rep. Raul Tupas of the 5th district of Iloilo, DILG-6 regional director Juan Jovian Ingeniero, Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division commander Major General Eric Vinoya, Western Visayas police chief Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan.
The activity was anchored on the group’s theme, “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation approach with the whole of government participation, in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace and development, promote social justice and national transformation.”
Meanwhile, Vinoya said the Army in Western and Central Visayas strongly welcome SAMBAYANAN in Panay Island for their support in the government’s efforts to end insurgency.
“I am extremely elated by this initiative because the people in this particular part of our country partakes on the responsibility of eradicating this decades-long formidable threat to our country’s security and development,” Vinoya said.
He also cited the people behind the initiative for giving their commitment in conceptualizing the organization’s initiatives.
