• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), was conferred the Joint Regional Task Force (JRTF) Gawad Parangal award during the sixth founding anniversary of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Dec. 6.
The JRTF Gawad Parangal is a prestigious event of the National Secretariat of NTF-ELCAC, recognizing collective efforts in fostering peace, security, and development across the nation.
Sison supervises the Philippine Army units stationed in Western and Central Visayas.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his message read by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., emphasized to the NTF-ELCAC the need for continued determination and unity in their mandate to end the communist insurgency in the context of the country’s quest for peace and progress.
Marcos also lauded the government’s anti-insurgency body for its unwavering efforts to address the root causes of insurgency and rebuild communities affected by conflict.
“The path to lasting peace is fraught with myriad challenges. Emerging threats to national security demand both caution and innovation. We must continue to ensure that our programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of our communities,” he said in a message read by Lagdameo.
He noted that the NTF-ELCAC was formed with a solemn promise to turn the tide against decades of division and violence.
The President also commended the collective efforts that led to the simultaneous declaration of insurgency-free areas and the establishment of stable internal peace and security.
Negros Island was declared in a status of stable internal peace and security by the 3ID, as concurred by the respective Provincial Peace and Order Councils of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
Sison said that the award symbolizes the dedication of countless individuals working together toward a common goal to create a nation where every Filipino can live in peace, security, and dignity.
“This recognition is not just for me but for everyone who has tirelessly worked to foster peace and empower conflict-affected areas. Together, we have demonstrated that unity and resilience can overcome even the most formidable challenges,” he added.
In a statement, Marcos practically threw cold water on incessant calls by leftist groups for the abolition of NTF-ELCAC, which has been the game changer in the quest to defeating the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.
He cited the success of various convergence programs such as the Barangay Development Program, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, and the ongoing amnesty program in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities.
While acknowledging the progress towards lasting peace, Marcos emphasized the importance of vigilance and the need to adapt to emerging threats to national security. | GB
