EASTMINCOM CHIEF: Enhance peace and dev’t zones...

EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) chief directed his different line units to work for peace and development zones in their areas of responsibility.

“Facilitate and work for convergence to address concerns and resolve issues in conflict-affected areas through Peace and Development Zone concept,” this was emphasized by Maj Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr. after he was appraised on the operational environment in Caraga Region during his visit to the different military units on Feb. 6.

Santos said, “The joint and complementing effort of Regional Development Council (RDC), and Regional Peace Council declaring areas as peace and development zones is a good template that will facilitate the achievement of durable peace in the region.”

The next step is to replicate the successes in the other areas of the region.

The peace and development zone is a peacebuilding initiative which promotes the establishment of durable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict through reconciliation, peace constituency building, social, political and economic transformation.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, EastMinCom spokesperson, said the program, pushed by then AFP chief of staff Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. during his stint as commander of the 4th Infantry Division, adopts the “whole of nation approach” and conflict sensitivity in tackling prevailing issues that disrupt the peace.

Santos’ visit is part of his operational assessment and survey of the different units of the EastMinCom after he assumed leadership on Jan. 21, 2019.

He was received by Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, newly installed commander of the 4th ID and concurrent commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade; and Brig. Gen. Andress Centino, the commander of 401st Infantry Brigade.