The Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG)

The peace process with the TPG provides for a transition phase to ensure that the TPG fulfills its commitment in the observance of the 2000 cessation of hostilities until a conclusion of the peace agreement is signed with the GPH; fast track implementation of confidence building  measures; and, facilitate settlement of the armed members of the TPG in the peace and development communities as the initial step to the disposition of its forces towards a conclusion of the peace agreement.  The following were achieved:

Cessation of Hostilities

A Joint OPAPP and TPG Orientation-Briefing on the GPH-RPMP/RPA/ABB Peace Process was conducted in November 2010 to inform the local military/police units and key members of the TPG in Negros Island on the status of the new engagement between the GPH and the TPG.  They were also informed of the security arrangement/protocol to strengthen the coordination mechanism between the military/police and local members of the TPG.  The same Orientation/Briefing was conducted in Aklan in April 2011.  

Meanwhile, OPAPP facilitated the release of three (3) SPTCFOR  for the TPG.

Release of APOs/PPs

To date, OPAPP, in coordination with DOJ, is processing the release of three (3) APOs/PPs (alleged political offenders/political prisoners). 

DEVELOPMENT

Peace and Development Communities (PDCs)

The TPG has initially identified four (4) PDCs where its armed members and their families will settle, namely:  Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia and Brgy. Pinggot, Ilog, both in Negros Occidental; Tamlang Valley in Negros Oriental (composed of Brgy. Janti-anon in Amlan, Brgy. San Enrique Villanueva in Sibulan and Brgy. Abante in Pamplona); and the Municipality of Ibajay, Aklan.  To date, the TPG has submittted a total of 197 armed members who will settle in the 4 PDCs, distributed as follows:  17 in Murcia, 86 in Ilog, 57 in Tamlang Valley and 37 in Ibajay.

Initial consultations to generate support and cooperation of Local Government Executives  (LGEs) have been carried out in both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.  The dialogue gained expression of interest and support of the LGEs to pursue the initiative for peace and development.   Moreover, consultations with civil society organization has also been initiated, particularly with the Paghiliusa  sa Paghidaet (PsPN) in Bacolod City, to get their perspectives on the peace process with the TPG. 

Livelihood Projects Outside PDCs.

As a measure to promote economic integration of TPG areas outside PDCs, the TPG has submitted livelihood development plans for 101 barangays broadly situated in Negros Island, Panay Island, Davao, Bukidnon and Ilocos.  The development plans are mainly classified as: (i) Farm inputs and farm produce marketing; (ii) Livestock production and marketing with transport; (iii) Credit assistance on livestock production and farm inputs marketing with transport; (iv) Consumer’s Store with transport facility; (v) Micro Finance for trading farm inputs and agricultural products with transport facility, and, (vi) Handicrafts production and marketing.

Under the OPAPP’s PAMANA Program, 56 barangays in Negros Island have been included as priority areas for CY 2011.