Despite the recent attack from the members of the New People's Army on Wednesday morning, the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army is still positive that rebel groups would give their consent to the new reintegration program of the government.

According to Major General Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., Commanding General of the 3ID based in Jamindan, Capiz, the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government would attract more rebel groups to reintegrate with the government.

CLIP is a one-stop system for projects, trainings as well as livelihood assistance for rebel returnees.

It can be noted that the Army troops were supposed to conduct a barangay forum to discuss the issue on ancestral domain and land tenure among the indigenous people of the area with the National Commission for Indigenous People and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

However, despite the efforts of the Army, Mabanta said that the talk may not be beneficial for the NPA since they will lose their site, so "they initiated the attack."

"The Army is on major paradigm shift. We are laying down for the benefit of the people, especially the IPs," he said.

The new approach will shift from a predominant military solution towards a people-centered approach.

To further create resolutions on armed conflicts, the Civil Military Operations officers of Panay and Negros gathered to formulate a plan to help address emerging challenges on the areas of the Army.

More than 30 members of the Army have attended yesterday's workshop.

On the other hand, a former rebel also presented an "issue-based approach" in diffusing armed conflict in the countryside.

"We will continue until our long lost brothers go back to the mainstream," he said.

Mabanta also stressed that the intensified implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)-Bayanihan will win the peace they want.

He also added that partnership with the various local government units (LGUs) and other national government agencies, they continue to bring development projects and services for the people in the community is needed on the peace process.

IPSP-Bayanihan is a participatory approach, which was conceptualized with various sectors to win peace in the countryside and not just defeating the enemy in order to win the peace.*