by Ms. Neela G. Duallo

City of Mati, Davao Oriental (16 July) -- Feeling the urgency to do the move after the recent untoward occurrences in the province, Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon will convene the Provincial Peace and Order Council on June 17, 2008.

In the last meeting of the League of Municipalities-Dvo Or Chapter, the Governor moved to have the meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council-PPOC the soonest possible time.

"We cannot underestimate their move. They are being bold with doing the attack in Banaybanay, and the killing of a policeman in the municipality of Cateel last week," she explained.

The Governor said that the problem has to be addressed, and she is optimistic that the meeting will come up with ways and strategies on how to address the problem.

"Justas we are about to go full blast with our efforts to promote the province, and then these things are happening. Really, we have to act quickly, and we cannot afford to be complacent," she added.

As such, Gov. Malanyaon confirmed the commitment of the attendance of top police and military officers to the meeting.

In one of the meetings of the PPOC, the peace agenda of the Governor was presented.

The peace agenda's mission dwells on a progressive province through the pursuit of peace and security.

Through the peace agenda, the Province wants to attain excellence in local governance through people empowerment, ensure that development rights and opportunities are accessible, particularly to the underprivileged and the Indigenous Communities.

The security plan of the province also wants to implement peace, development, and security related capability building measures through the local government units, conduct training of identified, vulnerable groups, encourage and strengthen participation of civic society organizations in local governance, develop and establish resolution mechanisms in local conflicts, promote and encourage peace advocacy in the military and non-state entities, and organize and establish zones for public safety, among others.

"We have to complement resources and harmonize all directions for our peace efforts," she stressed strongly.

In the Davao Oriental Lecture, Forum, and Workshop for Peace and Development initiated by the Diocese of Mati in May this year, Malanyaon emphasized that what is needed is a clear rehabilitation scheme for the rebels, and a clear amnesty program.

"With uncertainties on those regards, the local government units are now taking their own initiatives in crafting their own strategies in facing and addressing the insurgency problem," she said. She also disclosed that there are six basic securities in good governance.