ACHIEVING long-lasting peace is still an issue over a decade since Lantad was introduced a model of transformation from a symbol of government neglect to a symbol of development.
In a security stakeholders forum on Tuesday, April 10, in Balingasag, the military, local government officials, and concerned sectors have discussed solutions to the insurgency problem that is still existing at Lantad Valley Complex in Misamis Oriental.
LVC’s stretches connect Balingasag, Lagonglong, and Gingoog City, which are all part of the Balatukan range.
Captain Leoden Bajado, civil military operations officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), identified Sitio Camansi in Lagonglong town, and Sitio Anahaw, Balingasag as the areas where the influence of New People's Army (NPA) is prevailing.
"We are tapping the local government units because they have the resources and concerned sectors to help make residents understand that the soldiers in their areas are not only for war but for peace efforts," Bajado said.
Bajado said the military still find it hard to enter NPA-influenced communities especially when leftist groups use “Taktikang Bakwit,” or the alleged strategy of militant groups to force civilians to evacuate if only to dramatize the impact of military presence in their communities.
"We want the local government officials to understand that the NPA will continue to use this strategy and propaganda to prevent development from coming in. The LGU shall of course help these bakwits, but we urge them to talk to the real residents and not those who are designated as leaders. We are also urging the nongovernment organizations to find out the truth," he said.
Bajado they also request that more road networks should be built in sitio Camansi and Anahaw, pointing out that the whole stretch of Lantad Valley Complex is a potential eco-tourism site.
Alluring hot and cold springs, Bajado said, could be found in Lantad Valleys and it offers breath-taking views that could be a tourist attraction.
"The roads going to the area should be fixed and concreted so that it will be more accessible for the visitors," he added.
Lantad, inhabited by 95 percent of the indigenous people mostly coming from Higaonon tribe, is situated on a valley with fertile soil, and is rich in biological diversity and holds vast natural resources.
In the 70s, Lantad became the regional government of the communist movement. But now, Bajado said only one rebel front is operating in the area.