AFP cites gains of Bantay-Laya

San Fernando City, Pampanga (21 July) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines cites significant gains of Internal Security Campaign Plan Bantay-Laya. Based on a statement released by BGen Francisco N Cruz Jr, Commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service, the campaign which was launched in 2002 has caused the steady decline of the CPP/NPA’s strength and influence.

In 2002, CPP-NPA’s strength was placed at 9,260. By the end of the 1st quarter of 2010, it was down to 4,642 or 50% decrease. The CPP/NPA used to affect 2,395 barangays in 2002, but this figure was reduced by 57%, numbering to only 1,017 by end of 1st quarter of 2010, or 2.4% of the 42,025 barangays nationwide.

The campaign’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) component takes precedence over combat operations. It focused more on peace and development activities to help address the localities’ needs and eliminate the CPP/NPA/NDF’s recruitment. From Bantay-Laya emerged the AFP’s Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) that help fast-track development projects especially in far-flung communities; as well as conduct localized dialogues. Members of the PDTs are trained in public affairs and community relations.

“There are instances that the only government agency that can be felt in those remote barangays is the Armed Forces. So we take the opportunity in helping the government deliver basic services such as the conduct of free medical and dental missions and the adult literacy program. The soldiers peacefully reach out to the people and even to the rebels, this in turn, elicited voluntary surrenders and open support from the people,” says BGen Francisco N Cruz Jr, Commander, Civil Relations Service, AFP.

An upsurge of CPP/NPA surrenders was also recorded from 2005-2009. In that period, a total of 5,417 communist insurgents returned to mainstream society. Of this figure, 21 were high-ranking CPP-NPAs, 2,119 are regular fighters while 3,277 are support elements. The financial and livelihood assistance of the Social Integration Program (SIP) under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) has proved advantageous for the rebel beneficiaries as they reintegrate into mainstream society.

Corollary to Bantay-Laya campaign is the creation of the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM), the AFP’s primary unit tasked to assist in the government’s peace and development initiatives, including the implementation of the Kalayaan Barangay Program (KBP). From 2005 to present, a total of 1,663 various KBP projects were completed in 800 barangays while more are slated to be finished. These projects include the construction of school buildings, farm-to-market roads, water systems, health centers, and electrification programs.

Bantay-Laya, along with the National Internal Security Plan (NISP), encourages synergy of efforts between the military, the PNP, the Local Government Units, and other stakeholders in counter insurgency. This resulted to the declaration of 18 provinces as insurgency-free, most recent of which are Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija. A province is categorized as insurgency-free when the threat posed by the CPP/NPA is successfully downgraded into a mere law and order problem. Other provinces declared insurgency- free and whose Internal Security Operations (ISO) lead role were transferred to the Peace and Order Councils (POCs) are: Guimaras, Siquijor, Biliran, Marinduque, La Union, Nueva Viscaya, Romblon, Bohol, Apayao, Aurora, Cebu, Quirino, Tarlac, Cavite, Camiguin, and Ifugao.

This counter-insurgency campaign plan has also significantly contributed to the improvement of the business climate and tourism in the provinces. Department of Tourism (DOT) statistics from 2002-2007 indicate a consistent growth in tourist arrivals. Year 2002 earned a 0.38% increase; 2003 with 8.66%; 2004 with 20.01%; year 2005 with 15.78%; year 2006 with 5.8%; and year 2007 with 19.54% increase. While comparative statistics between 2008 and 2009 indicated a 117.25% increase in tourist visitors in Camarines Sur alone, a once known insurgency dominated area. Other top tourist destinations with stimulated tourism growth were: Bohol with 10.91% growth; Cagayan de Oro with 10.44%; and Negros Oriental with 8.67%.

Meanwhile, increase in GDP growth percentage in 2002-2004 was also noted. In 2002, the country had 4.6% GDP growth; in 2003 with 4.7%; and 2004 with 6.0%. It slightly decreased in 2005 and 2006 with 5.0% and 5.4% respectively, but soared back in 2007 with a 7.3% growth.

Jon Lindborg, Mission Director US Agency for Int’l Development in the Philippines, noted the opening of Jollibees in Mindanao as “one of the best indicators of success” in counter-insurgency.

“Oplan Bantay-Laya is heavily criticized by the CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) and by its fronts precisely because it has through the years effectively halted the CNN’s growth. With more local chief executives exerting efforts towards gaining the confidence and cooperation of the people, and with more rebel defections as a result of better governance and disillusionment in the CNN movement, it is safe to say that the communist insurgency in the country is disintegrating. This is the opportune time for the rebels to come out and embrace the government’s offer of peace,” analyzes BGen Cruz. (PIA)