DENR 6, PA and LGU Tubungan sign agreement to pursue peace and order

PA to build patrol-based detachment

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the 61^st IB, 3ID of the Philippine Army and the local government unit of Tubungan, Iloilo for the construction of the Patrol-Based Detachment Area.

Tubungan, a 4^th class municipality in the province of Iloilo, was once a Communist Terrorist Group-influenced area. With the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach which created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), various government agencies work hard for the harmonization of the different programs and has channelled projects in those CTG influenced areas to encourage support and trust to the government. Today, many barangays and municipalities in the region, including Tubungan’s nine barangays, are now cleared of the CTG influence and have received livelihood support from the government.

Another approach to keeping the peace and order to recently CTG-cleared areas such as Tubungan is establishing the presence of state security forces. Thus, the soon-to-be constructed Igtuble-Igpaho Patrol-Based Detachment of the Delta Coy, 61^st IB, 3ID, PA that will sit on a 1,257 square meters forestland area located in Brgy. Igpaho, Tubungan, Iloilo, will serve to sustain the peace and order.

“This is our support to ELCAC to sustain the gains we now have in terms of peace and order that every folk in Tubungan deserves. The Patrol Based Detachment will be used by the Philippine Army to conduct operations conducive for sustainable development and peace in the area,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.

As stipulated in the Agreement, the Philippine Army shall operate and maintain the Base for a period of five years or depending on the agreement of parties but will be in accordance to establish laws and policies vis-à-vis the Forest Management. The PA shall also ensure the proper waste segregation and disposal of garbage, preservation of trees, fauna and other wildlife within the perimeter; and closely coordinate with the local folks/community to ensure respect and preservation of culture and beliefs, among others.

On the other hand, the LGU Tubungan shall support inclusive and transparent process or dialogues and discussions among parties and concerned stakeholders; and shall ensure the preservation of trees or shall not allow the hunting of wild animals, except for scientific research or study but will be subject to issuance of corresponding permits from proper authorities.

DENR Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran, Commanding Officer, Delta Coy of Philippine Army, Ferdinand De Vera and Hon. Mayor Roquito G. Tacsagon of Tubungan, Iloilo signed the MOA. The activity was conducted at the Community Learning Center, Tubungan, Iloilo last September 14, 2022.

Also in attendance during the event were Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Raul L. Lorilla, CENR Officer Vicente T. Mellizas, Jr., Vice Mayor Leo Cezar Taypen, IPPO Acting Provincial Director PCol. Adrian Villalobos Accolador, Commanding Officer of 61st IB–LTC. Harold Garcia, Brigade Commander–BGEN Marion R Sison, municipal officials, Technical Working Group (TWG), and Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) members and Punong Barangay Eduardo Paneza and officials.

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