The six-year term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) has made remarkable changes in the Philippine government system, economy, and security situation. Despite several challenges and oppositions to his unorthodox pronouncements and policies, his administration had shown the Filipino people how "tapang at malasakit" proved beneficial for the growth and resilience of the country. As his reign ends this June 30 to pave for the next administration, the Youth for Peace and Development Movement Philippines (YFPDMP) finds it fitting to appreciate some of his most notable programs and policies on peace and security that benefited the generation today and will continue to be enjoyed by the next. Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict First on the list would be the signing of Republic Act No. 11188 or the "Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict" in 2019, as it strengthened the government's thrust to protect children, especially since they are most vulnerable during conflicts. Through its passage, the government has added a legal arm to run after those individuals and groups, such as the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and its personalities, who continue to exploit innocent children, particularly the Indigenous Peoples, to join their failed "armed revolution." Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 The Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is another reason PRRD's legacy is a gift to our security, as it leveraged our government's capacity to prevent any group, individual, and their cohorts pursue their terroristic plans. One of its remarkable effects was the blockage of the terrorist organizations' resource links after the Anti-Terrorism Council, established through the said policy, identified how such groups generate their funds from other countries. It also prevented websites linked to the Communist Terrorist Group from publishing their lies, disinformation, and anti-government propaganda online that might only corrupt our young web users to join the terrorist movement. Although it might go down in the Philippine history as one of the most controversial policies passed during his time, the policy will surely narrow the space for any terrorist to conduct atrocities and benefit the ordinary Filipino people who always desire a safe and secure living. NTF-ELCAC No one will also forget Executive Order No. 70 or the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which has gained unfathomable appreciation from the Filipino people at the grassroots, particularly those affected by conflict. It was designed in 2018 to converge different government agencies and the people to work together in addressing the socio-economic problems in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), especially those exploited by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to turn its people against the government. Through its passage, resolving conflict shifted from the traditional military-led to a civilian-led solution through the delivery of the most needed services and projects of the people, which for a long time have become the root causes of conflict in the said areas. With the said program, some of the said barangays, which formerly served as the hiding place of the Communist terrorists, are now tourism havens and sources of livelihood for the locals. The road projects, most particularly, have connected the far-flung areas to the town centers, paving the way for easier delivery of their harvests and access to basic needs such as health, medicine, schools, and other institutions. Training and livelihood programs can also smoothly enter the area and be enjoyed by the locals just as those in the mainstream communities.
Opportunities for the children and youth in GIDAs have also poured in since the installation of new and more accessible school buildings through the persistence of the anti-insurgency task force. Likewise, former rebels have already become partners of government troops in terms of peace and security through the sincerity shown by the NTF-ELCAC to improve the lives of those affected by conflicts. The effective actions of the said task force truly ushered development in the GIDAs, eradicated the CTG atrocities and presence in its formerly influenced areas, and encouraged thousands of its members and supporters to yield. With what it has done in just four years, it has proven that achieving peace is not only through war-fighting but also through winning back the trust and confidence of people by reaching out, listening to their concerns, and addressing their needs. The administration of President Duterte may have had mishaps along the way, yet he also had many accomplishments that deserve a commendation. We have high hopes that the next administration will replicate them, especially those policies for peace and security. As we move on to the next chapter of our country, we Filipinos must work together and set aside our political differences to move forward as a nation. Let us begin by supporting the plans and actions of our local to national administrations. Aside from using our right to question unjust or unfair practices and policies, let us also be vocal in support and commending their good actions. At most, as we call for good governance, we should also do our part as citizens of this country by becoming good citizens and role models to the younger generation.
Written by: Carmen T. Malabong | Opinion Writer, National Peace Communication Unit, YFPDMP
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