Executive Order No. 115, s. 1999

PROVIDING FOR THE MECHANICS AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR THE LOCALIZATION OF PEACE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMUNIST INSURGENCY

“WHEREAS, the State recognizes that the attainment of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace under the rule of law and in accordance with Constitutional processes, is the basic foundation of economic development and national prosperity;

“WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State to pursue a comprehensive peace process to attain a just, comprehensive and lasting peace under the implementing principles and approaches towards the paths to peace as embodied under Executive Order No. 125 dated 15 September 1993;

“WHEREAS, in the furtherance of the above peace process and consistent with the principles and approaches thereof, the government deems it necessary and vital to localize and pursue its peace efforts with the communist insurgents on the ground to address the causes of armed conflict and at the same time prevent situations of “unpeace”, and to provide the communist rebels with the opportunity to participate in the democratic process of peace and development in the community;

“WHEREAS, there is a need to provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the localization of the government’s peace efforts towards realizing its objectives and thereby, facilitate the attainment of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace;

“The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, in coordination with the concerned agencies and the local peace constituency, shall identify and recommend to the President, through the National Peace Forum herein referred to, the areas where Local Peace Forum may be organized as well as their respective composition of five (5) to seven (7) members representing preferably civil society and local government.

“Once constituted, the members of the Local Peace Forum shall elect from among themselves their Chair and Co-Chairperson, provided one of whom is from civil society.

“The Local Peace Forum, which shall be clothed with the necessary powers from the President, shall undertake the following activities:

“a. Reach-out to the local community and insurgency group to encourage their participation in the Local Peace Forum. The latter’s participation thereto, however, shall not be considered a requisite for pursuing the activities lodged with the Local Peace Forum under this Order;

“b. Serve as a problem-solving mechanism in the community. As such, it shall identify issues attendant to the local insurgency, including concerns, which are creating situations of “unpeace” in its areas of responsibility, and thereafter, coordinate and/or cause the efficient resolution of the same.

“c. Serve as peace advocate by identifying and undertaking measures to promote an environment and culture of peace in the community.

“d. Refer issues and concerns requiring Presidential intervention and/or actions from the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of the government to the National Peace Forum. It shall also provide regular feedback on their status to the concerned community;

“e. Provide the President, through the National Peace Forum, regular status report on its activities as well as the peace situations in its area of responsibility; and

“f. Undertake other tasks, which may be deemed necessary by the President and the National Peace Forum.”