THE 4th Infantry Division (4ID) is planning to create a provincial task force which aims to neutralize, if not end, armed conflict in the local level.
On Monday, local government officials, law enforcement agencies, and other government agencies gathered for a forum to plan strategies in ending armed conflict.
Captain Reggie Go, 4ID spokesperson said the regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) taught particularly barangay officials on how to operationalize President Rodrigo Duterte's executive order 70-- a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the causes of insurgency.
The approach includes identifying Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev), areas where delivery of basic services shall be sustained.
"We are very optimistic that our convergence efforts will produce positive results. The enthusiasm and passion of all the participants, just like in other provinces where we conduct the same activity, reflect our collective aspiration to attain lasting peace and development that will be enjoyed by the generations to come," said 4ID Commander Major General Nemesio Gacal.
Gacal said he is confident that a sustained effort will result to a "long-lasting peace and inclusive and sustainable development in Misamis Oriental."
Barangay officials were also made to identify the needs in their areas to include in the 2020 budget.
Among those who attended were at least three Misamis Oriental mayors, district representatives, and 52 Barangay Chairpersons from Conflict Affected Areas, among others.