CEBU, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday confirmed the appointment of Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino as the new chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council for Eastern Visayas.
The confirmation came after DILG Secretary Mar Roxas recommended Mayor Aquino to head the RPOC-Region 8, which is tasked to oversee all matters on peace and order in the entire region.
The RPOC-8 has been hounded by armed by armed clashes between state forces and the CPP-NPA-NDF, and it is expected to address, via dialogues, these problems on peace and order, as well as monitor measures on livelihood and infrastructure programs in the rural areas.
The Bantay Bayanihan in Samar, which has been leading in monitoring of the Internal Peace and Security Plan in the region, had welcomed Mayor Aquino's appointment to the RPOC-8.
Pastor Marvin Anonuevo of BB-Samar said Mayor Aquino will focus more of EVs peace and security efforts to the Samar area where conflicts happen mostly in the northern part of the island.
Anonuevo also expected more action of the police in the internal security operations and capability enhancement, considering that most areas in Samar were declared conflict manageable and development ready. This means, "that the civilian government is now leading the peace campaign in the communities," he added.