AFP cites importance of good governance

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines cited yesterday the importance of good governance in addressing insurgency, calling it a “silver bullet” that could end the decades-old problem.

AFP Civil Relations Service (CRS) commander Brig. Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr. said the local executives will play key roles as they are tasked to deliver basic services that can improve the lives of their constituents.  

“To gain people’s support, encourage rebel surrender and thwart insurgent recruitment, we need to govern more effectively, bring hope to the people and for our political leaders to take the lead,” Cruz said in a statement.

“Good governance is the “silver bullet” that will kill the insurgency,” he said.  

Cruz said anti-insurgency campaigns should be spearheaded by local government units and must contain plans to reduce poverty and suppress injustice.

“The AFP can only address insurgent military capability but LGUs can address the reasons why people join the rebel movement. The strategy of holistic approach confronts both rebel capabilities and motivations,” he said.  

The military said such approach is consistent with the policy of President Aquino, who vowed to defeat the enemies of the state by implementing social reforms. 

“We shall defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform and equitable governance leading to a better life,” Aquino said during his inaugural address.

The AFP failed to meet the June 30 deadline of wiping out insurgency but the military claimed it has substantially reduced the strength of the communist movement.

Last week, newly-installed AFP chief Gen. Ricardo David said they are now targeting to end the rebellion in the next two to three years.

The AFP said the strength of the New People’s Army has declined to 4,742 in the first quarter from a peak of 25,200 in 1987. It also claimed that the rebels’ influence can only be felt at 2.4 percent of the 42,000 barangays nationwide.

Military data showed that a total of 5,417 insurgents have laid down their weapons from 2005 to 2009. The AFP has attributed the growing number of rebel returnees to the government’s social integration program, which provides livelihood to those who return to the fold of law.