President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. underscored the role of local government units in the whole-of-
nation approach to ending the local communist armed conflict.
This was disclosed by Jamindan mayor Mac Artur Valdemar in a social media post after he joined the
3rd Infantry Division officials led by commander Maj. General Marion R. Sison in welcoming the
President during a camp visit.
He was accorded a military honor upon arrival at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta, Jr., via the presidential
chopper from the Villareal Stadium in the city.
“The military cannot do their job without LGU,” Valdemar quoted the President, adding that the chief
executive wanted the LGUs to reach out and talk with the communist rebels for them to surrender
and live a peaceful and productive life.
A situation briefing was conducted by Division Commander Maj. Gen. Sison to provide the President
with an overview of the overall peace situation in the area,
including ongoing operations and the accomplishments of the spearhead troopers.
The President also inspected the high-powered firearms surrendered by rebel returnees to the
Philippine Army.
The Commander-in-Chief lauded the 3ID for their unwavering dedication to fulfilling their sworn
duties and responsibilities to the country, particularly in countering insurgencies.
“We must continue to do what we have been doing because it is very clear that it is effective and it is
successful. Kaya’t we have to congratulate not only the commanders but also the troops that have
been actively pursuing this strategy for the country,” he stressed.
The hour-long camp visit also included a boodle fight by the President and his party with the 3ID
“spearhead” officials and troops.
He also looks forward to visiting the camp again, especially in the declaration of the region as
insurgency–free.
The President led the distribution of rice assistance to 1,000 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
(4Ps) beneficiaries and various social services worth P70 million in the Capiz Gym here before
proceeding to the 3ID headquarters.
The camp was also visited twice by his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in 2016 and
- PIA Capiz)