BACOLOD CITY – Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID), met Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos to strengthen collaboration for peace and development efforts in Negros Island.

Sison paid a courtesy visit to Alminaza at the Bishop's Home in Barangay Palampas, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on Sunday, October 8, more than two weeks after the military clashed with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Tabugon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental in which six communist fighters were killed.

Sison said that he sought guidance and support from the bishop to strengthen the local peace engagement and dialogue in Negros Island.

MAJOR Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID), visits Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos at the Bishop's Home in Barangay Palampas, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental to strengthen their ties for peace and development in Negros Island on October 8. (3rd ID)

“We seek for his blessing and guidance, dahil ayaw po namin na maki-pagbarilan, makipag-away sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino (We don’t want a gunfight. We don’t want to fight with our fellow countrymen),” he said.

In a press briefing here on Tuesday, October 10, Sison said they wanted to seek the Church’s help for a peaceful dialogue to enable them to know the things that are needed to convince NPA rebels to lay down their arms.

During his meeting with Sison, Alminaza said that root causes of violence must be addressed.

"I want to collaborate. I want it to be clear. I am not in favor of violence, but we must establish the foundation for people to live peacefully,” Alminaza said.

“We need long-term solutions, not just quick fixes, as the same problems persist from long ago. Allegations of abuse must be systematically investigated, balanced, and evidence gathered to establish the truth," he added.

While underscoring the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts, Alminaza clarified that he is not advocating armed struggle.

“I can assure you, without hesitation that I am not advocating for armed struggle. I am a proponent of the Christian faith, combining prayerful and proactive approaches, both spiritual and social,” he said.

Sison assured that the Church-Military and Police Advisory Group (CMPAG) will continue to collaborate with other stakeholders to address security threats and challenges, aiming to tackle the social issues that contribute to armed conflict.

“Our soldiers invest their lives in ensuring peace and security for all. I do not tolerate any violations of humanitarian rights. If such violations occur, I will ensure that those responsible are held accountable and subjected to investigation," Sison said.

He stressed the significant role of every member of the society as part of the solution.

“What we need is communication,” Sison said as he urged local chief executives and barangay officials to help enhance and strengthen the local peace engagement efforts.

The meeting concluded with a prayer led by the bishop seeking guidance and safety for the military to carry out their duties to sustain peace and strengthen the bond between the security forces and the Church.

Sison was accompanied during his visit by Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd IBde commander, and Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Last June, Edralin also paid a courtesy visit to Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod to boost the relationship between the Army and the local religious community while fostering open communication channels for collaboration in various endeavors.