BAGUIO CITY — The newly installed Regional Peace and Order Council chairman said sustained efforts to maintain the peace and order will be the key factor in achieving regional autonomy.
Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang, who took over the chairmanship from Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan recently, said he would focus on the vision of the RPOC to achieve peace and order in the region to sustain its image as one of the most peaceful regions in the country.
Balitang said when the people can show that the region is peaceful and orderly, this would show the region is ready for the regional autonomy being pushed and spearheaded by the RDC, the region’s policy-making body.
“Being a peaceful region would give a good signal to the President that we are indeed all set to be a Cordillera Autonomous Region pursuant to the mandate of the 1987 Constitution that provides for the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordillera,” he said.
He added hesitation in supporting Cordillera autonomy is affected by violence experienced in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
The peace and order situation of the region would convince people and Congress in particular to support the autonomy bid of the region since the culture of the people in Mindanao is totally different from the culture of the Cordillerans who are peace-loving citizens, he said.
The governor said the RPOC would be an active partner in pushing for Cordillera autonomy simultaneous with its main function of instilling peace and order programs that will be embraced by the local governments and concerned agencies.
One of the assets of Cordillerans in settling disputes in their respective areas is the indigenous way of solving conflicts through constant dialogues among contending parties with the council of elders acting as mediatorsm he said.
Balitang sought the cooperation of local officials and stakeholders for peace so economic activities would be boosted.
For the past years, the Cordilleras had reportedly gained ground against communist rebels in remote communities through development projects. – Dexter A. See
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