True to the principle that inclusive growth and sustainable development could only be achieved through peace and order, MIMAROPA Region composed of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan pushed for a Joint Regional Development Council- Regional Peace and Order Council Special Meeting highlighting the adoption of Executive Order (EO) No. 70.

EO 70 signed by President Duterte institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace by creating a task force to end local communist armed conflicts, and directs the adoption of a national peace framework.

Regional Development Council (RDC) Chair Jose Alvarez, Governor of Palawan and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Chair Alfonso Umali, Jr., Oriental Mindoro Governor presided over the joint meeting held on March 28, 2019 at the Madison 101 Hotel & Tower, Aurora Blvd, New Manila, Quezon City.

Discussions revolved around internal security threats including Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), Kidnap for Ransom (KFR) Gangs, and situation updates in the West Philippine Sea as presented by the Western Command (WESCOM). Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police talked about the comparative volume and distribution of index and non-index crimes.

DILG Regional Director Florida M. Dijan of MIMAROPA reported certain issues and matters concerning the national and local elections, anti-illegal drug campaign, the immediate response of LGUs in the gaps identified in the result of POC and ADAC Performance Audit including the operations and maintenance of Balay Silangan Reformation Center, and the utilization of Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan Budget.

RD Dijan also shared the exploitation of Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples by left-wing rebels and the latter’s extortion activities in Mindoro provinces as well ad the monitoring of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) MIMAROPA Regional Director Susan Sumbeling shed light on various industries and sectors that propel the economy of MIMAROPA region.

The one-day joint RDC-RPOC meeting concluded with the signing of the MIMAROPA Regional Task Force Pledge of Commitment which primarily aims to spearhead and provide directions in the formulation of the regional peace framework that will help ensure sustainable growth and development in the region.

The activity was also a demonstration of their willingness to share resources and unite efforts for the realization of the task force’s ideals, objectives, duties, and functions.

CENTRAL OFFICE NEWS! Credits To: Central Office