SEIZED. The military and the Zambales Police Office unearth an arms cache belonging to communist terrorist groups at Sitio Gued-Gued, Barangay Palis in Botolan town, Zambales on June 26, 2022. The authorities, following the tip provided by a concerned citizen, also found subversive documents, a Communist Party of the Philippines flag, food, medical supplies, and personal belongings. (Photo courtesy of Nolcom Facebook) MANILA - The Marcos administration will inherit a highly successful anti-insurgency effort pushed by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for Central Luzon (RTF-ELCAC 3). Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who also heads the Regional Development and Security in the region, said the task force provided government services to communities. "Nakita natin for a long long time, relatively peaceful ang areas at nakita natin itong continuing na ang (We have seen for a long time, the areas are relat
PRISTINE BEAUTY. An aerial shot of one of the majestic white-sand islands in Tawi-Tawi province located in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Mindanao is reaping "dividends of peace", particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, now the second fastest-growing region in the country in terms of economic activity, according to Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. (Screengrab from Project Lupad) MANILA - Mindanao is reaping "dividends of peace", particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), now the second fastest-growing region in the country in terms of economic activity, according to Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, on Wednesday. In a statement, Galvez said BARMM's economy grew by 7.5 percent in 2021, a "remarkable" feat amid the pandemic, a testament of the region's vast econ
REINTEGRATION. The entrance to the training center for former New People's Army rebels in Fatima village in Hinabangan, Samar during the inauguration on May 31, 2022. Samar province is eyeing to reverse its reputation from conflict-stricken to a peaceful and developed area with the completion of a peace house and the training facility meant for surrendered rebels. (Photo courtesy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government) TACLOBAN CITY - Samar province is eyeing to reverse its reputation from conflict-stricken to a peaceful and developed area with the completion of a peace house and a training facility for former members of the New People's Army (NPA). The two major projects complement the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) to encourage more rebels to yield to the government and be productive, Samar provincial social welfare and development officer Alma Austero said Thursday. "For decades, Samar has been known as a province affected by armed struggle. Thr
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan) MANILA - Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., called on Filipinos to begin the healing and reconciliation process from the "animosity of partisan politics". Speaking at the Peace Partners' Recognition Day of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday, Galvez appealed to the public to set aside differences brought about by the national and local elections. "We call on the Filipino people to come together. The election is over. Let us work together in tearing down the walls of divisiveness, bitterness, and animosity of partisan politics as we move towards national healing and reconciliation," Galvez said. The peace adviser hoped that people will respect the decision of the majority and support newly el
ALL TOGETHER. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (seated, center) joins members of the executive and management committee at the recognition activity of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity at the Philippine International Convention Center on Monday (May 2, 2022). The event celebrated the agency's gold and silver Governance Trailblazer awards garnered during its Performance Governance System journey. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU) MANILA - Government peace workers played a major part in the effective promotion of the comprehensive Philippine peace process under the Duterte administration. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. cited the staff of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) for "passionately and selflessly" implementing various peace-building initiatives of the government. "It is because of your dedication, passion, and hard work that we have been able to implement our various peace-building initiat