A former member of the peace panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) talking with the National Democratic Front (NDF) aired his concerns on the increasing activities of the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in the countryside of Davao region.
Ednar Dayanghirang, former member of GRP panel in the past administration said he observed the increased activities of the NPAs in remote areas in the region particularly now that the unilateral ceasefires from both the government and the NDF are already in place.
Dayanghirang now serves as chairperson of the advisory council of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao region and head of the multi-sectoral advisory council of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army.
He told reporters during the regular Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City on Monday that NPA activities in the region include medical missions, lectures and recruitment of new members.
“Most of these activities are non-violent given that the unilateral ceasefires from both sides are now in place,” he said.
The presence of the unilateral ceasefires also prevented the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to take necessary moves against the NPAs, he added.
Dayanghirang said there must be a declaration of bilateral ceasefire as the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF is pushing through.
“In bilateral ceasefire there are set of rules that must be followed. Complaints against violations from both sides can be filed and investigated,” he pointed out.
He also called on the provincial governments and local government units in Davao region to reach out to their constituencies, especially those who reside in the remotest areas.
Dayanghirang also cited the move of the provincial government of Davao Oriental particularly on the recent launching of its outreach program services to far-flung villages.
“In order for the government to be relevant to the people, it must go to the people,” he said.
