Misamis Oriental forms peace council vs insurgency

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Beginning on Tuesday, the Misamis Oriental’s Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), supported by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will take the lead role in the local government's anti-insurgency drive. During the turnover ceremonies at Provincial Capitol grounds here on Tuesday, a memorandum of agreement was signed by the following:

4th Philippine Army Infantry Division commanding Major General Victor Felix;

Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno;

Vice Governor Norris Barbierra;

Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona, and the

Municipal Mayors of the province. The rationale’ behind the turning over of the security operations to the province was justified by the Misamis Provincial Government and the military. Both sectors said the province has been experiencing a peaceful and orderly environment as the presence of rebels has been significantly reduced. National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Commission on Human Rights chairperson Loretta Ann “Etta" Rosales witnessed the signing of the memorandum. Rosales, in a speech delivered during MOA signing, urged the government and private sectors to continue holding dialogues which are the most effective means in achieving peace. The provincial government of Misamis Oriental, headed by Moreno and Vice-Governor Norris Barbiera, said the interventions done by provincial government included the building roads, schools and classrooms. The local government also promoted environmental protection and development, agricultural productivity, and a leaner but stronger bureaucracy. –VVP, GMANews.TV