CATBALOGAN CITY– Calbayog City Mayor and newly-named chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) attended the culmination program of the Peace Month celebration last September 26 at the Camp Vicente Lukban, headquarters of the 8th Infantry Division, this city. His visit to the Army camp was his first since he was named as RPOC chairman by President Aquino last month.
Mayor Aquino was welcomed by Major General Jet Velarmino, commanding general of the 8th ID.
During his visit, a presentation on the peace and order situation of the region was made by Lt.Col. Angel Madarang, representing the Army, and Supt.Norberto Tuazon, representing the Philippine National Police.
The new RPOC chairman also delivered his peace message during the “Lighting of Candle for Peace Ceremony” held at 8ID’s grandstand area. In his message, Aquino reminded the public to bear in mind the reason why peace month is being observed. “That every Filipino has an important role in government’s efforts towards lasting peace in our country,” he said. RPOC chair Aquino joined the soldiers, police and other peace advocates in the region in their candle-lighting activity as his gesture of support to the ongoing peace process in the country. Doves, symbolizing peace and hope, were released during the occasion.
Aquino vowed his commitment in promoting peace and order in the region still battling with insurgency problem, particularly in Samar Island. Presidential Proclamation No. 675, series of 2004, declared the month of September as the month of National Peace Consciousness Month with this year’s theme as “Nagkakaisang Bayan Para sa Kapayapaan.” (AIMEE A. CATALAN/PR)
