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Behind the scenes and beyond means: construing the legacy of the peace process

Neither the swelling heat nor the crowded covered court can dampen the jovial mood of thousands of Laua-anons in Antique in celebration of their town’s 103rd founding anniversary and 13th Pahinis Festival. The buoyant cheers from students, teachers, elders and townsfolk were widely heard amidst the rhythmic beating of the drums, as they welcomed the arrival of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza for the first time. (more…)

By |2020-02-05T06:53:06+08:00February 2nd, 2018|CPP-NPA-NDF, News, PAMANA|0 Comments
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Caraga peace advocates renew calls for lasting peace in the region

BUTUAN CITY – Peace advocates from Caraga culminated the Mindanao Week of Peace with renewed calls for peace despite the intensified communist aggression and the looming threat of violent extremism in the region at Big Daddy’s Hotel and Convention Center in Butuan City yesterday.

Spearheaded by the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development and Caraga Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace celebration focuses on resolving four conflict lines – Criminality, Insurgency, Resource-Based Conflicts and issues and challenges of the Indigenous Peoples (IP), which are identified in the Caraga Roadmap for Peace.

With the theme, “Owning Mindanao History for Peace and Development”, the week-long celebration which started on December 1 featured several activities such as peace forum on countering violent extremism, ecumenical gathering in commemoration of 500-year anniversary of Protestant reformation, IP dialogue, youth summit, and forum on extortion and revolutionary tax.

In her speech, Agusan Del Norte Governor and RPOC-13 Chairman Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba emphasized the importance of unity in combatting insurgency in the region.

“We in Caraga region are pieces of a puzzle. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Agusan Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, Surigao Del Norte or Dinagat Islands … We belong to one region. If we fit the (pieces of the) puzzle, we will be able to create a picture of true peace through cooperation and tolerance,” she said. “Peace has a chance to be achieved. We just need to love our region.”

Meanwhile, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Rolando Asuncion stressed the importance of inclusivity in the peace process in his keynote message.

“We at OPAPP recognize the diverseness of the people in Caraga region. We have Muslims, Christians and Lumads coexisting in this melting pot of culture and religion. It is important for us to recognize that our identity as Filipino goes beyond diversity. There are no barriers if we are working for the common good of our nation,” he said.

Asec. Asuncion also echoed Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza’s pronouncement on laying the foundation of social infrastructures to combat violent extremism.

“The prevention of another Marawi begins with social healing and reconciliation. As Secretary Dureza said, ‘build relationships, bring back social cohesion, and mend the torn social fabric brought about by the armed conflict.’

Lastly, the assistant secretary called for Caraganons to bolster the gains of the peace process.

“This year, we have gained so much in our endeavors for peace in Mindanao. Let us all hope to sustain these gains for the incoming year through unity, compassion and inclusivity,” he concluded.

The Mindanao Week of Peace is an annual celebration which started on 2001 through the Proclamation Order No. 127 issued by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to “recognize the common aspirations of Mindanaoans to live in peace, unity and harmony with each other regardless of status in life, religion or culture”.  It is held every last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year.

By |2017-12-07T02:13:31+08:00December 7th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, MILF, MNLF, News, Peoples' Peace Tables|0 Comments
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Statement of Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza on the declaration of CPP-NPA as “terrorists”

President Duterte has spoken.

A proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army as “terrorists” by no less than the President himself has just been announced.

The next step is for the Secretary of Justice to file a petition in court under the provisions of the Human Security Act for a judicial affirmation.

Let’s await its outcome.

By |2017-12-05T11:18:32+08:00December 5th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, News|0 Comments
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Sec. Dureza: Inclusivity, key in PAMANA project implementation

SEDA HOTEL, QUEZON CITY – Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza challenged members of the security sector here to observe the principle of “inclusivity” in carrying out development projects within their respective areas of coverage.

“There must be inclusivity in your projects,” Sec. Dureza said, as he addressed top military and police officers attending the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) cluster meeting organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The PAMANA is the national government’s convergence program that carries out various development initiatives in remote, conflict-affected communities across the country, ensuring that the needs of the marginalized and underserved sectors are addressed.

Since its implementation in 2011, the program has undertaken about P50 billion worth of development projects across the nation’s conflict-prone areas.

Sec. Dureza emphasized that PAMANA projects, which are implemented in partnership with local government units and other concerned national government agencies, should benefit all sectors of the community and not only a select few.

“Don’t give them the exclusivity,” he said, referring to certain groups or sectors who are usually at the receiving end of most development projects.

Sec. Dureza said that there is a need to break away from this culture of exclusivity, which breeds corruption and creates an environment of “unpeace” in communities.

“Corruptions is a very big concern for us,” the peace adviser said, as he called on members of the security sector to help the national government address this pressing issue.

Sec. Dureza pointed out that corrupt practices are the bane of development work and must therefore be eradicated at all costs.

“You are the frontliners. We will not succeed unless we get the support of the communities,” he said.

According to him, project implementers must always use a “peace lens” to ensure the sustainability of their initiatives, while eliminating corruption at all levels of the bureaucracy.

“If there is that sense of integrity … It will pay back,” Sec. Dureza said.

He likewise stressed the value of a “buttom-up” approach in project implementation, saying that proposals “must come from below…from the people [themselves].”

“They (projects) must be processed from the bottom. It will take time but this is the way to go,” Sec. Dureza said.

In the meantime, OPAPP Undersecretary Ronald Flores explained that PAMANA is not only focused on building high-impact infrastructure projects, but is also carrying out various socio-economic initiatives as well.

“[We can do] anything under the sun that can uplift the lives of people,” Usec Flores said.

However, he lamented that there are some LGUs who are hesitant in implementing development projects in their respective communities.

Usec. Flores explained that a possible reason for this could be the belief of some local officials that as long as their towns remain remote and underdeveloped, they would continue to be on the list of donor agencies.

With this mindset, he said it would be difficult to break the cycle of violence, poverty and underdevelopment.

To address this concern, he raised the suggestion made by some sectors that the coverage areas of PAMANA projects be expanded to include other “vulnerable” communities.

Usec. Flores was referring to areas that are now being used by rebel groups to bring in new members into their fold.

The PAMANA cluster meeting today will also feature a series of workshop that aim to draw out suggestions on how the security sector can better help in the implementation of PAMANA projects, as well as identify new initiatives that would sustain the gains of peace throughout the country. ###

By |2017-12-05T07:05:12+08:00December 5th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, News, PAMANA|0 Comments
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OPAPP, CHED recognize graduates of study grant for Bangsamoro

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Moro graduates from batches 2013-2017 were acknowledged during the recently held Bangsamoro Graduates’ Assembly on 28 to 29 November 2017.

The ceremony is in line with the government’s extended financial support to former rebels or members of their families and communities who express their desire to enroll in college.

Through the joint grant programs created between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), beneficiaries under the OPAPP-CHED and the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA)-CHED Study Grant Program received a total of PHP 10,000 per year. Meanwhile, graduates under the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Study Grant Program received a maximum of PHP 20,000 annually in the course of their grant entitlements.

“Education daw is a right but at the same time, ‘yong tulong na natanggap natin habang tayo’y naga- aral ay isang biyaya. Hindi lahat ay nagkakaroon ng ganitong pagkakataon. Kaya kasabay ng ganitong biyaya, kailangan ay may kaakibat itong responsibilidad,” reminded OPAPP Assistant Secretary Rolando Asuncion during his inspirational message delivered to the graduates.

“Pero tingin ko, isa rin sa mga pinaka-malaking responsibilidad niyo bilang graduates ng OPAPP-Study Grant Program ay ‘yong responsibilidad sa bayan. The opportunity that you were able to receive is a fruit of a bloody struggle – produkto ng pakikipag-laban ng inyong mga tatay, tito, nanay, lolo at lola para sa isang mas maunlad na Bangsamoro,” Asec. Asuncion said.

In addition to the recognition and awarding of the graduates, the assembly also provided career orientation and consultations for current job openings in the government, private sector and abroad.

“Marami sa aming Bangsamoro ang kapos at gusto makapag-aral. We would like to commend OPAPP and CHED – ‘yong word na thank you, hindi siya sapat para bayaran ‘yong effort ng agency para ma- push through ‘yong study grant,” said Jamadee Amat, a grantee from the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Study Grant Program who graduated cum laude at Mindanao State University.

“Sana mas ma-expand pa ‘yong programa na ‘to kasi marami pang mga bata na gusto talagang makapag-aral. Para rin ma-eradicate ‘yong discrimination sa Bangsamoro na puro sila warrior and fighter. But we will take that in a positive way. We are warriors and fighters because we are fighting for our rights and we are warriors of peace. Gusto nating makapag-aral kasi gusto natin mapatunayan sa buong mundo na kaya rin natin [Bangsamoro] makipag-compete not just locally, but globally,” Amat concluded during his speech.

Furthermore, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided briefings to graduates such as resume preparations, tips on job interviews, and work opportunities that they can explore on the professional field.

“Mayaman ka man o pobre ka, when we have education, we have the equal opportunity to compete with other people. Have the courage to meet people. Face your fears. Have the courage to help our country in your own little way – these are your passports for employment,” expressed CHED Region XII representative Genaro Andres.

The study grant’s sub-programs are the results from decades-old peace negotiations between the government and insurgent groups. The OPAPP-CHED and PAMANA-CHED programs are for members — including their families — of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA/ABB).

On the other hand, the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Study Grant program solely accommodates grantees from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The said activity is the first of three legs from all the 656 graduates that the study grant programs had produced for the last four years. The next leg would be in Cagayan de Oro City while the final leg would be in Zamboanga City respectively.

By |2017-11-29T04:58:19+08:00November 29th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, MILF, MNLF, News|0 Comments
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Statement of Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza on Peace Talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF

(22 November 2017)

We are hereby announcing today the cancellation of all planned meetings with the CPP/NPA/NDF in line with President Duterte’s directive that there will be no more peace talks with them.

Recent tragic and violent incidents all over the country committed by the communist rebels left the President with no other choice but to arrive at this decision. We take guidance from the President’s recent announcements and declarations.

This is an unfortunate development in our work for peace. Never before have we all reached this far in our negotiations with them.

President Duterte has taken unprecedented steps and has walked the so-called extra mile to bring peace. However, the Communist Party and its armed elements have not shown reciprocity.

There will be no peace negotiations anymore with the CPP/NPA/NDF until such time as the desired enabling environment conducive to a change in the government’s position becomes evident.

We will closely watch the developments.

We have expressed our deep gratitude to the Royal Norwegian Government for its strong support as we also expressed to their officials our regrets for this turn of events.

Despite this setback (hopefully only temporary), we remain steadfast and undeterred in our unrelenting journey for sustainable and just peace.

I now call on everyone: “Let’s all stay the course together.”

By |2017-11-22T02:49:28+08:00November 22nd, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, News|0 Comments
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GRP unveils CARHRIHL monitoring station

Secretary Jesus Dureza led government officials in unveiling the marker of the first GRP compliance monitoring station under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRHIL).

“Respect for human rights is something we will always have to adhere to and strengthen,” said Dureza in his message.

Dureza is head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

“Today’s launching of the GRP Monitoring Committee’s Mindanao Station is yet another important milestone in the government’s earnest efforts to actualize this manifestation,” GRP Panel Chair and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III also said in a message read by panel member Antonio Arellano.

The monitoring station is the first to be established by the Philippine government since it signed the CARHRIHL with the National Democratic Front NDF) in March 1998.

It will receive reports and complaints of “non-compliance” of the provisions of CARHRIHL in the 10 conflict-affected regions where the monitoring stations will be established and endorse it to the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC).

CARHRIHL is by far the first and only agreement signed among the five substantive agenda in the GRP-NDF peace negotiations.

“Today’s launching is clear evidence of the government’s commitment to abide by its duties and responsibilities in the pursuit of lasting peace in our country and a display of this administration’s willingness to go the extra mile despite the serious difficulties that we have been facing along the way,” Bello explained.

The GRP panel chair is in Kuwait and was not able to attend the launching.

Dureza said the government would like to see the mechanism of the monitoring committee already working on the ground.

“We will test its (JMC) functionality,” Dureza added.

Although CARHRIHL was signed in 1998, the JMC was not formally constituted until the Rome 3rd Round of Talks under the Duterte administration in January this year.

“Perhaps this will encourage our counterpart across the table to also set their own,” the OPAPP secretary added.

Peace talks between the Philippine government and NDF has been suspended over continued rebel attacks that included the ambush of the convoy of Presidential Security Guards in Carmen, Cotabato Province on July 19 this year.

But Dureza said he is confident both parties will be able to hurdle the impasse and that both panels will soon resume negotiations.

He declined to further elaborate.

GRP Panel Member Antonio Arellano said the setting up of monitoring stations is a “unilateral action” on the part of the Philippine government.

“The document (CARHRIHL) promotes the rights of the Filipino people.  It humanizes the ongoing armed conflict.  It seeks to protect both combatants and civilians against violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,” Arellano explained.

The pilot GRP monitoring station will be housed at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines building inside the Hall of Justice Compound in Davao City.

Former Iligan City mayor and lawyer Franklin Quijano is the chair of the GRP Joint Monitoring Committee.

By |2017-09-30T04:33:40+08:00September 30th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, News, Peace Month|0 Comments
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Lumad voices, top priority in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY – On its pursuit of just and lasting peace anchored on inclusivity and unity, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process’ (OPAPP) Peace Buzz made its fifth stop in Butuan to converse with the Lumads, Wednesday morning.

During a press conference, Undersecretary Diosita Andot, imparted that OPAPP is using this opportunity to focus on peace education and discussions with the Indigenous People (IP) to merge their aspirations with OPAPP’s vision on attaining a just and lasting peace.

“Mayroon tayong peace tables for the IPs alone and this is a very good development because, whereas in the past, ang sektor na ito ay hindi halos naririnig. Ngayon, binibigyan natin sila ng puwang at binibigyan talaga natin sila ng all possible opportunities to participate in the peace process,” Andot shared.

(We have a peace table for the IPs alone and this is a very good development because, whereas in the past, this sector is not much heard. Now they are given a venue, and all possible opportunities to participate in the peace process.)

Simultaneously, activities were held in Caraga’s regional center, including the Communicator’s Peace forum on Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Since the inception of OPAPP’s IP Peace Table, the peace agency has been open to hearing out the Lumads of CARAGA. From the men and women, to their youth sectors, peace conversations were conducted in the region.

As part of the region’s efforts on celebrating the National Peace Consciousness Month, Caraga launched the “Dalan sa Kalinaw” or the “Roadmap for Peace”, whereas one of its four main points, focuses on the IPs of CARAGA.

Through the theme “Puso Para sa Kapayapaan, Magkaisa Para sa Bayan”, OPAPP placed highlight on the people’s passion for peace and their efforts in working together amidst diversity.

Butuan supported this call through the city’s “Commitment for Peace”, signed by national and local officials, and the residents of Butuan City.

The Peace Buzz is a caravan that will travel nationwide to showcase and highlight the peacebuilding efforts of the government and provide updates on developments in the peace process. The Peace Buzz will drop by key cities to engage and collaborate more with different stakeholders.

The Peace Buzz kicked off in Baguio City with the framed prayer offering for people of Marawi residing in Iligan highlighting the event. It then proceeded to Quezon City with the ceremonial ringing of the World Peace Bell. Afterwards, it went to Legazpi City, Albay and was joined by Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2017 and National Peace Ambassadress Elizabeth Clenci, to entertain the children and disabled folks residing in Sagrada Familia Foundation. In the island of Samar, it witnessed the launching of Samar’s “Peace and Prosperity Roadmap”.

The Peace Buzz will continue its Mindanao journey in the “Crown Jewel” city of Davao, followed by a stop in Cotabato City before concluding in Iligan City for the closing of the peace month on October 1.

###

By |2017-09-27T03:27:23+08:00September 27th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, MILF, MNLF, News, Peace Month|0 Comments
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BB. Pilipinas Elizabeth Clenci celebrates Peace Month with OPAPP in Legazpi

24 September 2017 – Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2017 and National Peace Ambassadress Elizabeth Clenci joins the Peace Buzz in Legazpi City, Albay as part of the peace caravan, which aims to deliver the message of peace across the country.

The Local government of Legazpi City welcomed the Peace Buzz with the “Albayanong Jovenes Kasaro Para sa Katoninongan” or Walk for Peace around the city proper. Personnel from the different security groups, and scholars of Daraga Community College joined the peace walk.

During the opening activity held in the provincial capitol, Deputy Presidential Peace Adviser Undersecretary Nabil Tan underscored the significance of the Peace Buzz’s journey, “The Peace Buzz signifies our collective journey to peace. Ang paglalakbay na ito ay para iparating sa lahat ang mahalagang mensahe ng kapayapaan. Lahat tayo ay dapat kumilos upang makamit ang kapayapaan sa ating bansa. Ang bawat hakbang ay hakbang para sa kapayapaan (This journey is to bring the message of peace to all our countrymen. All of us must take part in bringing peace to our country. Every step is a step for peace.) Peace won’t be achieved by the government alone but by all the stakeholders, the Filipino people,” he said.

Police Chief Inspector and Chief of Police Community Relations Elvide Esparrago of the Albay Provincial Police encouraged all citizens of Albay and fellow Filipinos to become protectors of peace.

“For several years, war and conflicts destroyed and claimed many precious lives of our fellow Filipinos in which both sides are losers, but still we don’t learn any lesson from it. So this time we are calling Albayanos and all Filipino people to give peace a chance to reign in our hearts and in ourselves, and denounce armed conflicts, and become agents and protectors of peace even in its simplest ways,” he said.

For her part, Clenci reminded the youth participants to always be informed and updated by the progress on the peace process in the country.

“By equipping ourselves with the basic knowledge and facts of the peace process in our country, we are strengthening our government’s efforts to eradicate the spread of harmful ideologies and violent extremism,” she said.

Clenci emphasized that peace must start within ourselves and we must teach our children early so that the value of peace will be ingrained even until they grow up, “Peace start within our homes. We must teach our children to do simple acts of kindness to other people, so that eventually they can start a culture of peace in their communities,” she said.

The Bb. Pilipinas read a story called “Ang Itim na Pusa” for the children of Sagrada Familia as part of the Kids Peace Tour and Story-telling. She also adopted the role of a big sister and brought the kids along to visit different tourist spots in Albay.

In the afternoon, a Youth Peace Conversation with the students of Bicol University were conducted. It provided a venue for the youth of Legazpi to air their ideas on how to actively participate in the peace process and peace building in the country.

 The Peace Buzz is a caravan that will travel nationwide to showcase and highlight the peacebuilding efforts of the government and provide updates on the progress of the peace process. The Peace Buzz will drop by key cities to engage and collaborate more with different stakeholders.

The Peace Buzz started its kick off in Baguio City wherein a whole day of peace activities where conducted. This include the offering of prayer for Marawi to be brought in Iligan City where the persons displaced by the conflict are currently staying. Other activities in Baguio include a motorcade with Baguio Bikers’ Association as a sign of support and commitment for peace in the country.

 After its kick off in Baguio City, the Peace Buzz was welcomed by the local government of Quezon City with the Ceremonial Ringing of the World Peace Bell. The Peace Buzz will be making stops in Catarman Provincial Capitol, Catbalogan City, Butuan City, Davao City, and will conclude in Iligan City. ###

 

By |2017-09-24T08:53:19+08:00September 24th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, News|0 Comments
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OPAPP, Sorsogon, give green light to seven new PAMANA projects

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Sorsogon yesterday that will bring seven livelihood projects through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program to the province.

The MOA, signed by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and Sorsogon Governor Robert Lee Rodrigueza during National Peace Consciousness Month festivities in the province will enable both OPAPP and the local government to facilitate the implementation of projects that will benefit 14 municipalities for this year.

The seven projects are as follows: 1.) Construction of Pili Elemi (resin) Processing and Economic Complex (Provincial commodity processing and trading center); 2.) Rehabilitation and development of irrigation facilities; 3.) Duck raising; 4.) Organic ducks and native chicken production; 5.) Climate resilient Coco-based production; 6.) Seaweeds production and provision of post-harvest facility and; 7.) Seaweeds production.

In his speech during the turn-over of the completed PAMANA Tramline in Brgy. Cawayan in Irosin, Sec. Dureza emphasized that the PAMANA projects are considered as dividends of peace and there is a need for the public to ensure that these gains will not be squandered due to the fear of intimidation and violence.

“If there is a problem on security, there will always be uncertainty in development,” the Secretary Dureza said. “What is the use of our projects if we failed to provide an enabling environment for peace?”

The secretary also reiterated the need for the public to trust the government and support the security sector in battling insurgency in the province.

“You need to help our soldiers and the police not by arming yourselves but by giving them vital information. We need you to rally behind the government,” he said.

Aside from the turn-over of the PAMANA Tramline, OPAPP and the local government of Sorsogon also conducted a Multi-Service Peace Caravan as well as Women Conversation in Irosin and Sorsogon City respectively. ###

By |2017-09-20T03:28:46+08:00September 20th, 2017|CPP-NPA-NDF, News, Peace Month|0 Comments
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Office of the Presidential Adviser
on the Peace, Reconciliation and Unity
5/F Agustin I Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig, Philippines

Office of the Secretary: +632 637-6083
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Email: [email protected]

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