4ID features ‘Lantad’ experience as peace through ‘Bayanihan’

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2611453098625/4id-features-lantad-experience-as-peace-through-bayanihan-
• Monday, January 18, 2016

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat (JMOR/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, January 18 (PIA) – The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Philippine Army (PA) through its meeting with key stakeholders in Northern Mindanao on 14 January 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City showed that working together to achieve peace is possible such as the success in Lantad, Balingasag Misamis Oriental.

Major General (MGen) Oscar T. Lactao, 4ID commander PA said that the Internal Peace Security Plan (IPSP) of the army is a collaboration with various stakeholders to work together to attain peace. He said, there can be no development without security and to attain security and development, we must adhere to human rights and rule of law.

In a presentation from the 4ID, it was showed that in the 70s, the place of Lantad in Balingasag Misamis Oriental was the regional headquarters of the New People’s Army (NPA). However, through government intervention such as delivery of basic services, people were able to get livelihood opportunities, earn their income and even children were able to go to school and pass the National Achievement Test.

Patterned to Bayanihan, 4ID’s mission is to conduct support operations in collaboration with the Civil Authorities to assist the stakeholders create and environment conducive to sustainable development and a just and lasting peace.

Bayanihan activities in 2015 included second peace caravan with a theme, “Nagkahiusang Nasud alang sa Kalinaw” (One Nation for Peace), in Lianga and Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Energization project in Lantad, Balingasag Misamis Oriental dubbed Light for Peace which signalled the entry of electricity in the area which can enhance the productivity, information and education infrastructure for its residents.

Meanwhile, 4ID also supported the Customary Judicial Procedure by Tribal Leaders and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte. Further they also supported the peace walk and gathering in the observance of International Day of Peace in Cagayan de Oro City.

LTC Romualdo Raymundo B. Landingin GSC (INF) PA said that the IPSP Bayanihan is a community level effort wherein the activities are focused to facilitate local government units (LGUs) to win peace, know community concerns and serve as ambassadors. This would also foster understanding and generate ideas and sustain convergence of stakeholders.

In terms of Lumad killings, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) should make the call, said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno and chair of RPOC. Government civilian should be in the front line since the Lumads or Indigenous Peoples are the easiest candidate for recruitment. He encouraged the various stakeholders to win the hearts of the people in far flung areas. He said agencies of the national government must combine in the delivery of services to these areas.

Finally, he said we need to reach out, military will follow.