THE Philippine Army's 12th Infantry (Lick 'Em) Battalion, based in Calinog, Iloilo, reaffirmed its commitment to peace-building by participating in a Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) conference at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on June 9, 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta, commanding officer of the 12th IB, stated the battalion's continued support for local and national peace efforts. This support includes active dialogue, inter-agency coordination, and initiatives promoting the reintegration of former insurgents into mainstream society.
Lawyer Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson for the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Western Visayas, said the conference aimed to unite security and civilian stakeholders. The goal was to promote inclusive peace and reintegration opportunities.
Officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the 62nd Special Action Company – Special Action Force (62SAC-SAF), the Local Amnesty Board, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) attended the conference. Iloilo Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias also participated.
The LPE conference focused on aligning local peace initiatives with broader government strategies. These strategies aim to end communist armed conflict and foster long-term peace and development across Western Visayas.
On June 9, 2025, the 12th IB awarded Plaques of Recognition to Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr. and Gonzales. The awards recognized their support in dismantling the Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay of the CPP-NPA-NDF, in accordance with National Joint Peace and Security Coordination Center Resolution 15, Series of 2024, dated December 31, 2024. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)