TACLOBAN CITY, March 23 (PNA) — The provincial government of Leyte through the provincial peace and order council (PPOC) reiterated their commitment of support to the Philippine Army based in the province.
Vice governor Carlo P. Loreto said the provincial government has the capacity to provide intelligence information to help the army’s campaign to wipe out insurgency.
“The local government has resources to support the army’s bayanihan (heroism) projects in the hope of bringing the government closer to the people,” Loreto added.
Col. Dinoh Dolina, Army’s 802nd brigade commander based in Ormoc City, said the mindset of the villagers that government programs do not reach their villages is one of the many reasons that they opted to join the rebel group. Another factor is the poor access to upland villages.
The provincial government has tapped the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the provincial agricultural office to complement programs such as providing livelihood to rebel returnees.
The Philippine Army is confident that more towns will be declared as insurgency free this year.
Loreto also emphasized that the provincial government of Leyte is in full support of the Army to the continuing process of achieving the peace and order in the province. (PNA)
FFC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN ABELLA
