Carmona’s Commitment to Lead Stable Internal Peace and Security

by: Edjun Mariposque

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July 29, 2024

2–3 minutes

In a recent interview, BGen. Cerilo C. Balaoro highlighted the ongoing efforts in Cavite to maintain Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in line with Executive Order 546. This directive emphasizes the role of local government units (LGUs) in leading peace and security initiatives within their jurisdictions.

“We are coordinating with the Local Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflicts (LTFELCAC) at the provincial, city, municipal, and even regional levels to achieve SIPS,” said BGen. Balaoro.

Cavite holds the distinction of being the first province to declare SIPS in 2018. BGen. Balaoro explained that the approach began at the grassroots level, with efforts initially focused on barangay coordinations before expanding to cities and municipalities.

“In the CALABARZON region, only a few armed groups remain, primarily near the boundaries with adjacent regions,” he noted. “In the north, remnants exist near the boundaries of Rizal, Bulacan, North Quezon, and Aurora. In the south, small groups linger at the boundary of Quezon and the Bicol region. We continue to call on active members of the CPP-NPA to lay down their arms and join mainstream society.”

BGen. Balaoro also addressed the vulnerability of youth to radicalization by the CPP-NPA, urging parents and educational institutions to guide students away from extremist influences. “Many of the active members our troops encounter come from the youth sector,” he stated. “We are conducting information awareness drives in schools and universities, in coordination with school administrations, the PNP, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and other government agencies.”

A regional resolution has been approved by the Regional Peace and Order Council, establishing mechanisms and parameters for maintaining and sustaining SIPS in each locality. The goal is to ensure areas remain free from CPP-NPA activities, particularly those of armed groups.

BGen. Balaoro expressed gratitude to Mayor Dalia Loyola for her support in declaring Carmona as the first city in Cavite to achieve SIPS status. “This is a significant start, and we hope it will inspire other cities and towns in Cavite to follow suit,” he said.

Cavite’s pioneering efforts in achieving SIPS reflect a broader commitment to fostering peace and security, setting an example for other regions to emulate.

#Edjun Mariposque

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