By Michelle Ducut
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has called on local chief executives in the Bicol region to establish local peace panels in their respective local government units (LGUs) to encourage insurgents to surrender and promote reconciliation.
During the 2024 Media Orientation held at Hotel Sentro on Thursday, OPAPRU-South Luzon Bicol Coordinator Christopher Azucena explained that these panels would act as a bridge between the government and rebel groups, facilitating dialogue and addressing local issues that drive insurgency.
“The panel will be composed of the chief executive, the religious sector, and uniformed personnel. The LGUs must prepare this group to handle the rebel group. A local peace panel will be active when rebel groups express willingness for dialogue,” Azucena said.
He emphasized the need for proactive programs in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas, urging LGUs to engage communities to address root causes of rebellion and foster reconciliation. “The local peace panel must tackle local issues and understand why individuals join rebel groups,” he added.
Deputy Director-General for Finance of the Philippine Information Agency, Wilson Buerano Jr., hailed the initiative as a step toward a society rooted in unity, peace, and progress. “Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are committed to fostering a society where dialogue and empathy lead to solutions, and every Filipino thrives in a peaceful, inclusive nation,” Buerano said.
He highlighted the importance of promoting dialogue, shared values, and collective healing, envisioning a future where peace is not only a goal but a way of life.