OPAPRU urges LGUs to prioritize creation of peace panels

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday urged all local chief executives in the Bicol region to create local peace panels in their respective local government units (LGUs) to encourage more insurgents to surrender.

Christopher Azucena, OPAPRU-South Luzon Bicol coordinator, said during the 2024 Media Orientation held at Hotel Sentro here that the local peace panel will serve as a mechanism to bridge the gap between the government and a rebel group through a dialogue.

“The panel will be composed of the chief executive, the religious sector, and the uniformed personnel. The LGUs must prepare this group to handle the rebel group. A local peace panel is under executive order and will be active when rebel groups want dialogue,” he said in an interview.

Azucena said they want every LGU to have proactive programs, particularly those in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas.

“Proactive in the sense that the government must engage the community. Encourage them to reconcile and end violence. The local peace panel must tackle local issues and why they joined the rebel groups,” he added.

Wilson Buerano Jr., Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Deputy Director-General for Finance, described the media orientation as a milestone in fostering a society of unity, peace, and progress.

“Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are committed to fostering a society where understanding and reconciliation transcend division, where dialogue and empathy lead to solutions, and where every Filipino has the opportunity to thrive in a peaceful, inclusive nation,” he said.

Buerano said promoting positive dialogue, shared values, and collective healing will create a future where peace is not only a goal but a way of life. (PNA)

PEACE EFFORT. Christopher Azucena, OPAPRU-South Luzon Bicol coordinator, talks about localized peace engagement during the media orientation at Hotel Sentro in Legazpi City on Thursday (Dec. 12, 2024). OPAPRU urged local chief executives in Bicol to create a local peace panel to encourage more insurgents to surrender. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)