Abra execs declare CPP- NPA ‘persona-non-grata’

BANGUED, Abra -- All municipal local government units of the province have declared members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and National Democratic Front “persona-non-grata” through approved Sangguniang Bayan resolutions.

The resolutions said members of the groups were not wanted in their localities.

Governor Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos said this is a manifestation that the mayors are willing to attain sustainable peace across the province. She lauded all the municipal local government units (LFUs) for their initiative on this matter of peace and security.

 Brig. Gen. Henry Robinson, Assistant Brigade commander of the 7thinfantry Division, reported this development during the 3rdquarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Development Council.

But he said fighting insurgency does not end in declarations and resolutions alone.

He added dLGUs must also take appropriate actions to prevent or stop the spread of rebel recruitments especially to the youth.

 During the joint meeting, Executive No. 70, s. 2018 of President Rodrigo Duterte institutionalizing a “Whole-of-Nation Approach” towards the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace was explained by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Cordillera Director lawyer Roel Ubosan.

 “This means that fighting insurgency is not solely a responsibility of the men in uniform alone. The EO of President Duterte now involves all sectors in combating insurgency,” he said.

 Following the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), LGUs  were urged to create their respective task force ELCAC  to harmonize and optimize government efforts and resources  the their  level to address the root causes of insurgency.

In line with EO 70, Bernos directed all municipal and barangay LGUs to immediately enact a resolution creating their own ELCAC task force not later than September 30, 2019. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)