SUSTAINABLE PEACE: 53IB Conducts Local Peacebuilding Forum on ELCAC

The Barangay Captains of the Municipalities of Dimataling and Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur participated in the Local Peacebuilding Forum on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) initiated by the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion today, November 11, 2021 at 53rd IB Headquarters in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

The said Peacebuilding Forum was conducted to facilitate the establishment of sustainable peace by addressing the root causes of conflict.

In his welcome remarks, 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said this [peacebuilding forum] will sustain the peace and order in the barangays.

“Our activity today will strengthen partnerships and collaborations among the Barangay Chairmen and the Local Chief Executives, resulting in sustained peace and order situation,” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

The Unit briefing and updates in ELCAC road projects were given by 53IB’s 53IB Charlie Company Commander 1Lt Alvin Ibarra and various lectures were conducted during the said forum: Updates on EO 70 by DILG-ZDS PTF-ELCAC Alternate Focal Person Mr. Chrisjoe Morales; Anti-Terrorism Law by Provincial Lrgal Officer,ZDS Atty. Jose Ruel Saniel; the contribution of ELCAC’s Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) to Peacebuilding by TESDA-ZDS Provincial Director Engr. Alan Bacatan; Testimony of Barangay Chairman, Barangay Dagum, Lakewood, ZDS by Hon. Felino Galgan. Meanwhile, Lapuyan mayor Hon. Joel Sulong encouraged the Barangay Chairmen to continue supporting government efforts to prevent the resurgence of Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in the said municipalities.

The forum was also participated by Chairperson, PTF-ELCAC, Zamboanga del Sur Hon. Victor Yu.