CEBU, Philippines - The Central Command-Armed Forces of the Philippines turned 10 years old yesterday, but while Centcom commanding general Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva said many parts of the Visayas are already free from insurgents, some areas still have a long way to go.
The command celebrated with parade activities starting at 6:30 a.m. and culminating with a parade and review as well as an awarding ceremony at about 11:30 a.m. at the camp’s grandstand.
CentCom, formerly the Visayas Command, was organized on December 1, 2001 as an operating unit of the AFP which was to control internal security operations in the Visayas to establish a peaceful and secure environment, assist local government agencies in the socio-economic, ecological and developmental activities.
“In this decade, various campaigns and programs were conducted by CentCom that immensely reduced the presence of insurgents and brought better delivery of social services and empowered civil governance at the grassroots,” Villanueva said during his speech.
Villanueva said through their aim to win the peace through reinvigorated campaigns, six provinces were declared insurgency-free; Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Siquijor, Guimaras and Southern Leyte.
“Our multitude of successes happened because of the sincere effort of the LGUs, PNP counterparts and well-meaning civic organizations,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva extended his thanks to Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto, two of the most supportive local executives whom have helped in their efforts.
Aside from the local executives, Villanueva also cited the importance of their AFP-Philippine National Police Joint Coordinating Operation which further galvanized what they have done for the region.
“I firmly believe that peace has dawned here in the Visayas. It is now high-time to preserve the gains and focus on the development agenda in bringing people better quality of life with the prospect of better livelihood opportunities and better delivery of services,” he said.
Villanueva also said the lack of support from local government units in Negros Oriental and Samar provinces are preventing them from making the entire Visayas insurgency-free.
Unlike the six provinces which already declared free from insurgency, Villanueva said that Negros Oriental and Samar have a long way to go.
CentCom press relations officer Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, said that in the case of Negros Oriental and Samar provinces, there seems to be a lack of support from their respective local executives.
Aside from military offensives in the six rebel-free provinces, CentCom plans were coupled with numerous infrastructure projects by the local government which made their efforts twice as effective.
Also highlighting the event was the giving of awards and appreciation to individuals who gave invaluable services and support to the command.
Among these were Lt. Col. Edwin Ureta, Maj. Cris Anthony Morales, Sgt. Rodrigo Cutamora Jr., Master Sgt. Rodrigo Bayabos Philippine Army; Pfc. Joy Dela Peña, QM3 John Distrito of the Philippine Navy, civilian employee Anna Nimfa Medrano, Rotary Club International Vice Governor Maita Manglapuz, Destiny Medical Fund Inc. President Ma. Emma Ramas and The FREEMAN managing editor Nimrod NL Quiñones. (FREEMAN)