Peace and development problems not only in Region 7 but in other areas of the country can be fully addressed through the convergent efforts of all stakeholders, participants at yesterday’s Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council meeting agreed.

The spirit of bayanihan is the key to addressing the primary concerns in areas covered by the RJPSCC, a military press release said.

The RJPSCC is comprised of the military and police in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, with the meeting hosted by the Army’s 302nd Brigade at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

The RJPSCC’s objectives are to discuss the updates and activities, plans and programs on how to improve the interoperability of the security sector in the conduct of the internal peace and security operation, law enforcement and other concerns particularly in the provinces covered by Region 7, the press release said.

Col. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the Army’s 302 Brigade, presided over the meeting that was attended by Col. Christopher Estella, 302 Brigade deputy commander and staff officers; Lt. Col. Marion Sison, 79th IB commander, Lt. Col. Wilfredo Isaac, 11th IB commander; Col. Allan Martin, commander of Task Group Cebu-Bohol;

Senior Supt. Louie Oppus, deputy regional director for Operation, Police Regional Office 7; Senior Supt. Erson Digal, chief Regional Operations and Plans Division; Senior Supt. Erson Udal Digal, chief Regional Operations and Plans Division; S/Supt. Orlando Ualat, RCDS; S/Supt. Edward Carranza, provincial director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office; Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag, commander of the Regional Public Safety Battalion and other PNP officers, as well as CPO Ruben Caluscusin from the Philippine Coast Guard.

Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office 7, led by regional technical director Eduardo Inting, also attended the meeting and discussed Executive Order 23, which declares a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural residual forest, and creates the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force, the press release said.

The military said the Army units, in cooperation with other stakeholders, will also continue to extend support and assistance to the government’s National Greening Program, the press release added.*

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