CAMP CRAME, QUEZON CITY (18 September 2023) — Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., on Monday commended the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) significant contributions to the country’s comprehensive peace process.

Galvez led the flag raising ceremony here, as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) spearheads the celebration of National Peace Consciousness Month with the theme: “Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamamayan.”

The peace adviser was joined by PGEN. Benjamin Acorda Jr., PNP Chief; PLTGEN. Rhodel Sermonia, Acting Deputy Chief for Administration; PLTGEN. Michael John Dubria, Acting Deputy Chief for Operations; PMGEN. Emmanuel Peralta, Acting Chief of Directorial Staff; David B. Diciano, OPAPRU Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro Transformation; and Atty. Wilben M. Mayor, Presidential Assistant for Local Conflict Transformation and Peace Sustainability.

Policing in the Bangsamoro

According to Galvez, it is worth noting that as the nation’s premier law enforcement agency, the PNP has taken on a more active role in peacebuilding over the years.

“As we know, peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the condition wherein there is harmony, security, and justice, allowing societies to thrive and individuals to realize their full potential,” he said in his keynote message during the ceremony.

In particular, Galvez cited the initiatives being carried out by PNP to support the implementation of all signed peace agreements between the national government and revolutionary groups in the country.

These include the ongoing recruitment process for MILF and MNLF members into the PNP, which is among the commitments made by the government under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“We are also pleased that the PNP has helped facilitate the entry of members of the MILF and Moro National Liberation Front into the police force, which is another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process,” Galvez said.

“We are confident that under your guidance, these former MILF and MNLF combatants shall also become highly-professional, competent and trustworthy peacekeepers like you,” he added.

To recall, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) signed an agreement on April 7, 2022, allowing qualified MILF and MNLF members to take the National Special Qualifying Eligibility Examination (NSQEE) based on the approved NAPOLCOM Resolution number 2022-0081, “Prescribing NSQEE as Appropriate Eligibility for Temporary Appointment to the Rank of Patrolman/Patrolwoman in the PNP for members of the MILF and MNLF.”

On July 11 this year, the NAPOLCOM released the names of the 7,145 successful examinees who will be granted eligibility for temporary appointment as patrolman or patrolwoman of the PNP.

LPE and its Transformation Program

Galvez also highlighted the contributions of the PNP to the Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and its Transformation Program, which is being implemented under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government co-lead the NTF-ELCAC’s LPE Cluster.

The LPE is considered as one of the most effective ways of addressing the challenges caused by the decades-long communist insurgency by directly addressing the roots of the armed conflict.

“Moreover, the PNP is playing a key role in the implementation of Local Peace Engagement initiatives and its Transformation Program by working closely with local government units. Countless members of the communist group have laid down their arms and returned to mainstream society as peaceful and productive civilians through the LPE and the Transformation Program, as we are turning once conflict-ridden communities into zones of peace and development,” Galvez said.

“In places where the barrel of the gun has caused so much pain, insecurity and suffering, the PNP is helping the national government demonstrate that differences could be resolved through peaceful means. Through your active involvement in the peacemaking process, you are fostering a culture of mutual understanding, solidarity and reconciliation,” he added.

During the flag-raising ceremony, Acorda also presented a book entitled, “Giving Peace a Chance,” which was produced by the PNP’s Peace Process Development Center.

The book showcases the PNP’s various peacebuilding initiatives, as well as collaborative efforts with various peace partners and stakeholders. It also highlights the PNP’s key contributions to the peace process and the implementation of peace agreements with different rebel groups.

Peace: A precious state of harmony, security and prosperity

Acorda also highlighted the vital role of all sectors of society in maintaining peace, order and harmony.

“Peace is more than just the absence of conflict; it is a precious state of harmony, security and prosperity that we all desire and have a responsibility to foster,” he said.

“As we observe this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month, in accordance with Proclamation no. 675, let us remember that peace is not solely the responsibility of our law enforcement agencies, but of every citizen,” Acorda stressed.

“This year’s theme, ‘Kapayapaan, Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamamayan’ emphasizes that peace is a responsibility that each one of us must fulfill. Bata ka man o matanda, mayaman o mahirap, maging sino ka man, ano man ang estado mo sa buhay, lahat tayo ay may responsibilidad na tumulong sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa buong kapuluan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Galvez reaffirmed OPAPRU’s commitment to closely work with the PNP in pushing forward the country’s peace agenda under the Marcos administration.

“Truly, the PNP is re-defining what a nation’s police force should be. Time and again, you have shown that the nation can rely on you, especially when the peace and security of our people are at stake. We, in the OPAPRU, are truly honored to be working side by side with the members of the PNP as we continue to push forward, build on, and sustain the gains of peace in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas across the country,” he said. ###