Admin bet to push for ‘unity roads,’ infra projects to end insurgency problems in Samar
ADMINISTRATION senatorial candidate Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has emphasized the need for the government to make its presence felt by the people in addressing the remaining insurgency problems plaguing at least three provinces in Samar for decades.
In his visit to Eastern Samar recently, Abalos committed to prioritize the funding for the construction of more roads and infrastructure in these areas if given the mandate to bring their voices to the Senate.
The former DILG secretary expressed confidence that he would deliver, knowing that President Marcos has been very supportive of the programs and projects that would come from local and regional development councils.
While there have been significant improvements in the effort to end the insurgency problem in Samar provinces, Abalos said there is a need to make the government’s presence felt by the people as the final nail in the coffin of threat groups in the area.
“That’s how you fight insurgency to make people feel the presence of the government, there should be roads, there should be health centers, schools and over infrastructure relating to social services,” the senatorial wannabe stressed.
He added: “I really believe that if this push through, it will finally put to rest the insurgency.”
Abalos said he is particularly aware of the peace and order situation in Eastern Visayas as he was designated as the Cabinet Officer Responsible for Regional Development and Security or CORDS for Region 8.
With the cooperation and support of local executives, particularly the governors, Abalos said the task of reducing the communist rebels into insignificant force was easily achieved.
He pointed out that the missing links are the roads and infrastructure projects that were identified and planned by local and regional development councils in Eastern Visayas.
“Sa insurgency malaking pinagbago, ‘yung mga guerrilla fronts ay nawala na. So I think these roads in Samar provinces that will pave the way to connectivity of the three provinces and other important infrastructure projects will be of big help to put an end to the insurgency problem. These should be a priority,” Abalos said.
