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BAGGAO, CAGAYAN- Terrorism and insurgency have become a growing threat in the country that kept conflict-affected areas from realizing their full economic potential. Cognizant to this reality and the gravity of the effects brought about by such multifaceted problem, the Municipal Government of Baggao in the Province of Cagayan came up with an initiative to improve the peace and order situation in the locality and boost their local economic development thru a Memorandum of Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding with the 17th Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army (AFP) last March 23, 2018.

 

The MOA Signing event marks the partnership between the LGU and the 17th IB relative to the establishment of the “Acoy, 51D, PA Command Post” in Brgy. Awallan of said municipality which is also identified as an NPA-infested area. This was attended by the DILG RD Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., DILG Cagayan PD Ruperto B. Maribbay, Jr., OIC-Cluster Officer Gil B. Oranda, 17th IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, CPPO PD Warren Tolito, SB Members, Media, Religious Sector, and all Punong Barangays of the municipality. The Command Post in Brgy. Awallan shall serve as a mechanism of both LGU and AFP to counter insurgency in the far flung areas of the municipality in order to attain a true and lasting peace in the area towards achieving growth in local economic development. A formal Groundbreaking Event ensued prior to concluding the morning activity to highlight the first day of construction of the Command Post.

Following the groundbreaking activity in Brgy. Awallan, was the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the LGU-Baggao and the 17th Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army (AFP) relative to the implementation of the Localized Integration Program for Former Rebels in Baggao as an effort of the LGU towards a holistic peace process and provision of relevant assistance to FRs. Guidelines was presented by MLGOO Victor T. Santos to inform the attendees on the implementation process and delineation of roles of the said program followed by the formal signing of the MOU by Lt. Col. Saddam and Mayor Pattung which was also witnessed by DILG PD Maribbay and PNP PD Tolito.

Considering the current peace and order situation in Baggao, DILG RD Leusen lauded the Municipal Government of Baggao for introducing such initiative. He expressed that attainment of peace is not a fast-paced process indeed and that it is not just a concern of the law enforcement agencies but also the barangay officials and the members of the community. He further encouraged everyone to work together so that local development initiatives of the government can be truly felt and manifested and thereby achieve a peaceful, orderly, and progressive community.

 

#Kelinda A. Vidad, LGOO V