Over 500 groups of peace advocates swear in to assist police in TF-ELCAC activities

BORONGAN CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- Some 520 groups of civilian peace advocates, civil society force multipliers were sworn in on Wednesday to assist the police in its TF ELCAC activities.

Some 33 representatives of these groups that include LGBT, riders, inter-faith groups, youth, farmers, fisherfolks women, and the business sector were gathered at the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office gym, Borongan City.

Some 33 representatives of peace advocates, civil society that include LGBT, riders, inter-faith groups, youth, farmers, fisherfolks women, and the business sector take their oath at the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office gym on April 28, Borongan City. (PIA E.Samar)

The others joined the virtual event in other Municipal Police Stations all over the province, said Provincial Community  Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU)Head Rommel Cesista.

One representative Joey Baldos of the Riders Club volunteered.

“This is just a menial job that I can offer.”

Grace Mengote, another volunteer said that the government and the uniformed men can only do so much. The civilians should offer to help.

“Dire ta la angay ig-asa it responsibilidad hit kamurayaw hit gobyerno, guti la ini nga bulig, andam ako bumulig.” (We just can’t rely on the government the responsibility of peace-keeping, this is just a little help, I am ready.)

In his message, Deputy Officer for Operations Lt. Col. Dionesio Maestre Jr. said the police aims to “create an unbreakable tie with advocacy groups to obtain peace.”

“We need radical change to effect a radical issue,” he added.

For his part, Lt. Col. Carlito Abriz, provincial director, said that all they need is “timely information.”

He stressed timely and alluded to the Libuton bombing when they got the information too late.

“Had anyone provided the timely information we seek, the loss of lives could have been avoided,” he addressed the crowd of peace advocates.

The Libuton Bombing was an incident on December 13, 2019, when a policeman and some civilians were injured and killed when suspected NPAs planted IEDs in the highway, some six kilometers near Borongan City proper.

“We ask you, please provide us timely information,” Abriz said.

The peace advocate-civilians, civil society groups will be completing the whole-of-nation approach under EO 70 the NTF –ELCAC that requires diligent efforts on the part of the government to attract the private sector and civil society in the fight against insurgency said Plt. Col Sulpecio Jabagat, Jr, DOfficer for Operations. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)