The Soldier's Journey to Peace

           The past several months saw the AFP gain momentum in its implementation of IPSP Bayanihan which calls for a multi-sectoral approach to peace and security. The primary focus in the conduct of military operations is now “winning the peace” and not just defeating the enemy. The New People’s Army will be rendered irrelevant by addressing the root causes of the problems in peace and security with the help of the stakeholders in the community. Without any major issue to exploit, the NPAs could no longer generate public support for their organization.

This paradigm shift to a people-centered approach shall see the AFP engaging all stakeholders in peace and security. For it is only with the involvement of the people could peace really be achieved.

And so, the soldier is expected to be more actively involved in the affairs of the community, engaging the many stakeholders in pursuing peace and development and participating in the many venues where he/she could help.

There are definitely many ways on how the soldier’s efforts could complement those of his/her counterparts. It would just take a little more imagination to see where the soldier could find his/her place in this new approach to winning the peace in the community.

However, it does not mean that soldiers will no longer conduct combat operations. For the soldiers will have to meet the threat posed by those who continue to terrorize the people.

This blog records the many activities undertaken by the 903^rd Infantry Brigade and those who work to win the peace in the barangay. It offers a glimpse into “the soldier’s journey to peace”.