NEGROS Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. sought the support of the church hierarchy as well as military and police officials for the Negros Island Region initiative in a bid to achieve integrated and sustainable development, and in efforts to attain lasting peace.
Speaking at the 7th Founding Anniversary of the Church-Military and Police Advisory Group-Negros held recently at Mambukal Resort, Marañon said that after a series of consultation-dialogues, meetings, and studies made by a leading academic institution, it appeared that 90 percent of the people from Oriental and Occidental sides are in favor of the one-island region because of the unlimited benefits it will bring to Negrenses.
The governor cited the government’s peace and order campaign, saying that if the Armed Forces has one common command, and the Philippine National Police also has a unified set up, containing crimes and concerns related to internal security are much easier to handle.
Attending the CMPAG-Negros anniversary, anchored on the theme, “Renewal of Commitment,” were Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, police regional director for Western Visayas; Major Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division; and Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command.
The church’s contingent was led by Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra, Kabankalan Bishop Patricio Buzon, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, and Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes.
The CMPAG Negros Occidental celebration was hosted and organized by the Provincial Government through the Provincial Planning and Development Office headed by Ma. Lina Sanogal, concurrent action officer of Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit.
“Both the military and police wanted peace integration and development. They would be able to manage the peace and order situation well if there is one integrated command,” Marañon told CMPAG-Negros members.
“The effect of the one-island region is tremendous. It will last a lifetime into the next generations of Negrenses,” the governor said.
At present, Negros Occidental is under Western Visayas (Region 6), while Negros Oriental is part of Central Visayas (Region 7).