ROXAS City — Capiz province and this capital city had been declared “peaceful and ready for further development.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police signed a joint memorandum on the declaration for the province at the Capiz Provincial Capitol here.
Gov. Victor A. Tanco said the memorandum-signing and declaration was a first for the province.
Tanco also advised those who seek change in society not to resort to conflict.
“Activists who want changes in government should join the government and start the change there,” stressed the governor.
He urged them to run for public office and discouraged them from joining the revolutionary movement.
“Being in government gives you the opportunity to inject whatever ideas you have,” said Tanco. “I have known some classmates and friends who died in the mountains because (they joined the rebels).”
“Peace [goes along with] development; one cannot do without the other,” he stressed.
Representatives from the business and religious sectors and government agencies and other stakeholders witnessed the signing.
Vice Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras, for his part, said peace and security are among Capiz’s assets. A peaceful area, he said, is “conducive for development.”
Dale Bernas, managing director of the Investment Promotion Center, said the declaration will move Capiz closer to inclusive growth, a state wherein people get a better share of economic progress.
A similar declaration was made in this capital city on Dec. 22.
Mayor Angel Alan Celino; Lieutenant Colonel Victor Llapitan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion; and Senior Superintendent Julio Gustilo Jr., city police chief, signed the memorandum.
Major Rey Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) public affairs officer, said the Army, police and the city government have successfully denied the entry, influence and threat from insurgents.
Tiongson said Tanco, 3ID commander Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Police Regional Office 6 director Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan, 301st Infantry Brigade commander Colonel Eric Uchida, and Councilor Jose Agdalipe witnessed the signing at the Roxas City Hall.
Celino thanked the police and the Army for playing their roles toward achieving a peaceful city.
Guerrero, on the other hand, said peace efforts must continue and the public should be vigilant against threats.
United efforts are needed to sustain peace, said Tiongson. (RALPH JOHN MIJARES/With a report from Philippine Information Agency/PN)
