Benjie's move for peace

ELECTION time is nearing and the thing that comes to mind is, are the areas in the Cordilleras that were or are known for election related violence still have the same monicker?

Well here's good news! The provinces that have been known for having such a monicker during elections have started to calm down. In particular are Abra and Kalinga.

Cordilleras finest chief Police Superintendent Benjamin Magalong said recently that "the province of Kalinga and Abra can now be categorized as peaceful prior to the conduct of the elections in May of 2013."

This was what he told reporters during the induction ceremonies for the newly assigned Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers in the city recently.

The generals explanation to this is that since his incumbency as the new regional director for the Cordillera, one of his main task was to closely monitor and act on the politically motivated crimes in the two provinces.

Magalong's action to this is going down to the grassroots or going down to the constituents particularly in Abra. Communicating to the populace was the key component in reducing the politically motivated crimes in that province.

He's challenge to the media was for us to personally go to Abra and ask the people, cause oriented groups and the civil society regarding the improved peace and order situation in the province.

I've ask one of our colleague in media based in Abra regarding the generals assessment, and surprisingly, my colleague confirmed what the general said.

My colleague stated that it's because they saw the seriousness, sincerity and positive intentions of the general in achieving the illusive real peace in the province. And this is why most of the civil society supported his actions to attain peace.

But one factor, however, remains. Will the next regional director follow his footsteps? Will the constituents of Abra pursue what General Magalong started? And will the national government extend the much needed livelihood programs for the poor constituents of the province, that have been the victims of politically motivated actions in the province?

Some of my colleagues may say that it looks like I'm kissing the ass of the general with my column. Well I'd answer yes, surely, of course, and why not?!

I'm kissing the ass of the general with my column because I also see that his intentions are pure and that it's not just for show or to impress his boss.

The generals’ move for peace in the province of Abra is a manifestation of how he sees positive development. Development not only for some but for the greater majority of society.

Positive development however can only be achieved, if the society is given the opportunity for peace. And achieving peace is not only the work of the police, nor civil society, nor politicians! Achieving peace is the work of everyone in the community.

This is the reason why I salute General Benjie's move for peace! At least here's someone who's doing all he can in his brief stint to assist in attaining positive development through the efforts of most of the community.

And for the Abrenyos, since the general started a move for positive development, why don't you help ensure that this will continue? Because if you don't, than I hope you won't be going on a road for positive disintegration.

It's all up to you "Kaillians"! You will decide you future!