Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Wednesday commended the efforts of the Security, Peace, and Justice Cabinet Cluster (SPJCC) in leading the programs of the government against armed groups and insurgents.

Andanar, who moderated the “Pamana ng Pagbabago: The 2021 Pre-SONA Forum” of the SPJCC at the Armed Forces of Philippines Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC) in Quezon City, lauded the fact that despite the pandemic, the cluster remained steadfast in ensuring that the needs of Filipinos everywhere in the country are being addressed.

“The dedication and command of the leaders of every agency under the Security, Peace, and Justice Cluster are truly admirable. The projects established under this administration are testimonies to how the government is a ‘government for the people’, and how ‘Tapang (Courage) is always matched with Malasakit (Compassion)’,” he said

The discussion was led by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who discussed accomplishments in establishing peace and order in conflict-affected areas.

Lorenzana’s report showed that the DND through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and partner agencies have offered social services to encourage rebels to return to the fold of the government.

Over 18,000 former rebels have been reintegrated into the society since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sat in office.

The initiative is under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Task Force Balik-Loob.

“Kahit abala sa pademya, ginagampanan ng aming kagawaran ang pangunahin nitong tungkulin na tiyakin ang seguridad ng bansa mula sa anumang banta sa labas o loob man nito. Ang diskarte ng ating pamahalaan na labanan ang insurhensya at lokal na terorismo na hindi gumagamit ng bala o solusyong militar ay naging matagumpay (Even though we are busy responding to the pandemic, the department continues to carry out its mandate of ensuring the security of the country from any form of threat, whether external or internal. The strategy of the government to fight insurgency and local terrorism which does not resort to a militaristic approach has been successful),” Lorenzana said.

“By offering social assistance to rebels who returned to the fold of the law, we have greatly reduced threats from armed groups, which have been hampering inclusive economic development and growth for more than 50 years now,” he added.

Of the 18,433 former rebels that were reintegrated, 623 have joined the AFP, 748 were given resettlement and housing assistance, and 21,549 former rebels and their dependents have graduated from skills training.

Because of the success, the government also launched the TUGON Program for former rebels in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Lahat ng rehiyon ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad walang iwanan (All regions will have the opportunity to grow and develop. No one will be left behind),” Lorenzana said. (PR)

Photo Credit: Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (Contributed photo)