The government, through the Police Regional Office 3, launches the Joint Industrial Peace Concerns Office that will be the “first line of defense” of industries in Central Luzon against infiltration of communist front organizations. (OPAPP)
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — The government, through the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3), launched Wednesday the Joint Industrial Peace Concerns Office (JIPCO) that will be the “first line of defense” of industries in Central Luzon against infiltration of communist front organizations.
“JIPCO will be the government’s primary mechanism in protecting the rights and welfare of workers and will serve as a safeguard against the harassment of communist insurgents in the area,” Police Regional Director PBGen. Rhodel Sermonia said.
“Its purpose is to insulate, cover, and protect the labor force, manufacturing industries and industrial zones to the ongoing massive infiltration of the communist front organizations,” he added.
A community relations program of PRO 3 in partnership with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), JIPCO aims to strengthen government’s partnership with the private sector and communities situated in economic zones in Central Luzon which is home to thriving industries and active labor unions.
“Central Luzon remains a major flashpoint for communist insurgency and in the white area operation. Your police will take advantage of the potentials of community engagement to prevent industries from being infiltrated by communist agitators and with the implementation of JIPCO in the different economic zones from Subic to Clark to Mariveles and in areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija where industries are prevalent and labor unions are many, the morale and welfare of the labor sector will be promoted and at the same time industries will be prevented from being infiltrated by communist agitators,” Sermonia furthered.
For her part, PEZA Director General Charito Plaza emphasized the crucial role of industrial zones in the nation’s economy, particularly in helping develop a pool of highly-skilled, globally competitive workers.
Moreover, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa pointed out that the creation of JIPCO is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.
“This undertaking is in support to the platform of the President’s 10-point Socioeconomic Agenda, particularly on increasing competitiveness and ease of doing business. The PNP is ready to take its role to contribute in the nation’s economic development,” he stressed.
And lastly, Presidential Peace Adviser and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region III Carlito Galvez Jr. underscored the need to further enhance the relationship between the government and industrial workers, and more importantly, help capacitate and empower the nation’s labor force.
Galvez also emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between the government, private sector and communities.
“We need to strengthen the tripartite agreement between the government, the business and the communities. When we work as one, we win as one. When we work together, there will be no mission impossible,” he said.
As the CORDS for Central Luzon, Galvez has been tasked, among others, to oversee the effective implementation of Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalized a “Whole-Of-Nation” approach that aims to put an end to the decades long armed rebellion in the country.
Under the Whole-Of-Nation approach, there will be greater synergy among government line agencies in the delivery of services in communities, particularly those located in remote, underdeveloped, conflict-affected areas.
With this approach, localized peace engagements shall also be carried out by local government units and other stakeholders in the community to find long-lasting solutions to communist insurgency, and bring a just and lasting peace to the country.
