Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, PNP ‘Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City COMMAND MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO.: 2022 SUBJECT _: PNP IMPLAN to Guidelines for the Conduct of Local Peace To DATE 1 2. Engagements (LPE), National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) See Distribution 13 MAY 2022 REFERENCES: a. Executive Order No. 70 dated December 4, 2018 entitled: “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework”, b. Guidelines for the Conduct of Local Peace Engagements dated September 18, 2019 signed by National Security Adviser (NSA) and Director General, National Security Council (DG, NSC)Vice Chairman, NTF-ELCAC, and Chairperson, NCIP/Executive Director, NTF-ELCAC; ¢. Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2019-169, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) dated October 11, 2019 with subject Guidelines on the Implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) signed by Secretary Eduardo M. Afio; d. MC No. 2022-006, Office of the Chief, PNP dated January 28, 2022 entitled: PNP Retooled Community Support Program (PNP RCSP), @. Memorandum from TDO dated April 23, 2021 with subject: Composition of Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Teams and Local Peace Panels; and f PNP MC No. 27-2019 with subject: “Operationalization of Executive Order No. 70 National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)" RATIONALE: This CMC sets forth the guidelines and procedures to be observed by the PNP in support to the implementation of the Local Peace Engagements (LPE) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), to address the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) problem. Page 1 of 123. SITUATION: The CPP-NPA-NDF has exploited the peace process as a strategy in their National Democratic Revolution. It has humiliated and accused the government of social injustice, human rights violations, militarization, and development aggression to forward its own interests. As a result, the mandates, Programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of government departments and agencies are subverted and infiltrated. This has posed a stern challenge in providing a strategic alignment and interdependence of government PPAS in its quest for a progressive nation through a just and lasting peace while ensuring public order and safety. The CPP-NPA-NDF has engaged in acts of violence and hostilities endangering the lives and properties of innocent people. Its United Front Building has resulted in exploitation, killings and deterred the empowerment and development of indigenous peoples/indigenous cultural communities (IP/ICCs) while at the same time utilizing IPSACCs ancestral domains and sacred grounds as guerilla bases in its army (NPA) building, mass-base recruitment, and united-front building. It has failed to show its sincerity and commitment in pursuing genuine and meaningful peace negotiations. These undignified operations and deep-rooted manipulation of the peace process have to end. On November 23, 2017, PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE signed Proclamation No. 360 entitled, “Declaring the Termination of Peace Negotiations with the NDF-CPP-NPA’, and on December 5, 2017 or 12 days after, subsequently signed Proclamation No. 374 entitled, “Declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) as a Designated, Identified Terrorist Organization under Republic Act (RA) No. 10168". Further, on December 4, 2018, or a year after, the President signed Executive Order (EO) No. 70 (reference a) with the need to reframe and refocus government policy for achieving inclusive and sustainable peace, recognizing that insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats are NOT ONLY MILITARY AND SECURITY CONCERNS, but are symptomatic of broader social, economic and historical problems such as poverty, historical injustice, social inequality, and lack of inclusivity, among others. Under Section 3 of the EO, an NTF-ELCAC was created with the President as Chairman, the National Security Adviser as Vice Chairman, and members from different Government Agencies and representatives from the Private Sector, providing an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the Whole of Nation Approach (WNA) aimed towards prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflictaffected areas and vulnerable communities, and ensuring the active participation of all sectors of society in pursuit of the country's peace agenda. ‘A National Peace Framework, anchored on the WNA, was formulated under Section 5 of said EO that shall be responsive to the local needs and sensitive to realities on the ground, and shall include a mechanism for local peace engagements or negotiations and interventions that is nationally orchestrated, directed and supervised, while being locally implemented. Page 2 of 12This was followed by the issuance of the Guidelines for the Conduct of Local Peace Engagements (LPE) (reference ), to serve as guide to all peace stakeholders on the conduct of nationwide local peace engagements in conflict- affected and conflict-vulnerable communities, through community consultations and problem-solving sessions, and local peace dialogues with Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), 4, MISSION: The PNP, concurrent with its mission and functions, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the LPE cluster and other concerned Clusters of the NTF-ELCAC, shall provide the necessary support during the conduct of LPE jn target areas, starting with the pre-determined Barangays nationwide identified as priority. 5. EXECUTION: a, Concept of Operations: The PNP shall actively render assistance during the holding and carrying out of the following Local Peace Engagement (LPE) activities in pursuing the localization efforts: 1)Track 1: Community Consultations and Problem-Solving Sessions These serve as the government's platform to ensure people's participation in the peace process. It is a secured democratic space for continuing dialogues between the RTFs-ELCAC/LTFs-ELCAC (P/CIW/B) and community stakeholders to surface, discuss, and clarify issues and concerns that are at the root of, resulting from or affecting the peace process. It also aims to gather recommendations and strategies to address the concems. This track includes existing programs like Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), and other convergence efforts at the regional, provincial, municipal, and barangay levels. The target is the mass base and underground movements including supporters, family members, and other political infrastructures, which comprise 85% of the guerilla fronts. ‘The issues, concerns, and recommendations raised shall then be considered in the formulation of the local peace agenda where appropriate levels of response shall also be identified. 2) Track 2: Local Peace Dialogues with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) These refer to the dialogues conducted between the local mechanisms and the leaders and/or members of the CTG. Page 3 of 12These may be undertaken either openly or discreetly, with or without intermediaries, with those who are willing to engage with the government, which will result in local-level peace agreements and their availment of peace and development programs. This track may also include peace dialogues with armed members of the group who will avail of the E-CLIP without the benefit of Local-Level Peace Agreement (LLPA) These two tracks can be undertaken simultaneously as an integrated whole package, or independently of each other, depending on the situation prevailing in the locality. They are intended to be flexible, adaptable and broad range, in order to cater to any modality that the CTGs may avail of. The Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) under the two-tracks of the LPE concept should coincide with or interface with the PPAs of other concerned Clusters of the NTF-ELCAC, in order to: a) Ensure convergence of efforts at the community level (such as delivery of basic services and socio-economic packages); b) Ensure complementation of programs and services provided to the individual former rebels (FRs), their families, and ‘communities; ) Establish and/or strengthen culture, values, gender and conflict sensitive peace dialogues/iocal peace agenda-identification by region and province; and 4) Strengthen local capacities for conflict prevention, resolution, and management. b, Mechanics for Localization under the Two-Track Approach: 1) Track 1: Community Consultations and Problem Solving Sessions to be conducted by the Regional Task Forces (RTFs)-ELCAC and Local Task Forces (LTFs}+-ELCAC Provincial/City/Municipality/Barangay (P/C/M/B) a) Pre-Localization Phase (1) Request from the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) operators the result of their area study to separate the insurgents from the peace-loving people and identify the needs of the people in the ground. (2) The Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster, through the RCSP, will conduct Local Conflict Analysis (LCA) which will include the following: (a) Assessment of Area Profile (areas, issues, and context); (b) Identifications of Actors (causes and dynamics); and Page 4 of 12(c) Prioritization of Issues. (3) Social Preparation will be led by DSWD and DILG in ground/community coordination. This will include information dissemination, community education, and advocacy. The ‘Strategic Communications (StratCom) Cluster will be in charge of the IEC materials. (4) Coordinate with other agencies to join the Local Peace Engagement Team (LPET) that will conduct the community problem-solving sessions to validate the needs and problems noted by the RCSP operators. The proposed members of the LPET are as follows: (a) Administrator; (b) Engineering Officer, (c) Social Welfare and Development Officer, (@) Agriculture Officer; (e) Chief of Police; () AFP Commander, (g) Representative Religious Organization; (h) President Liga ng mga Barangay; (SK Chairman; () Disaster Risk Reduction Officer; and (k) Others as necessary. (5) Advocate information drive to the affected barangays and conduct Pulong-Pulong/Summing-Up of RCSP to ensure total participation of the community. b) Localization Phase (1) Conduct community assemblies in the priority areas to inform the public about the RTFs-ELCAC/Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS)/LTF (P/C/M/B) Purposes, and to surface issues and recommendations on how they should be addressed so that peace can be realized. (2) Validate the issue as pointed out by the area study. (3) Classify issues and match with doable interventions and the Page 5 of 12accountable persons and/or agencies. Based on the issues raised and recommendations made at the community assembly, it may analyze whether these require policy, program/project, resources or process interventions. The recommended intervention should be as specific, realistic and doable as possible. (4) Coordinate with concerned NTF-ELCAC Clusters and hold commitment-setting session/s with the appropriate regional andlor provincial agencies for issues that can be addressed locally. It may send official communication to the NTF-ELCAC and to the agencies concemed regarding specific requests for action from the community prior to holding the pledging session. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the doable interventions within a specific period may be forged. Copies of the MOA shall be provided to the NTF- ELCAC and the heads of the agencies, for monitoring purposes (5) Ensure converged, timely, and efficient implementation of commitments made by concerned agencies and other peace building and development programs, projects and activities. ©) Post-Localization Phase ‘The Regional/Provincial/Municipav/Barangay LPET will then conduct a feedback assembly with the community to report on the resolution of major issues. ‘The RTFS-ELCAC, through the CORDS, will monitor and assess the process/delivery of commitment. This will be reported to the NTF-ELCAC through the CORDS: (1) The RTF-ELCAC, through the CORDS, will recommend action to the NTF-ELCAC for issues that require Presidential intervention or executive, legislative, and judicial action. It may request the NTF- ELCAC’s intercession for issues that cannot be addressed locally. The NTF-ELCAC shall immediately deliberate on the same and endorse action documents for the President's approval; (2) The RTFS-ELCAC, through the CORDS, will also hold progress meetings with provincial agencies concerned to check the implementation of agreed programs and projects, and send regular monthly reports to the NTF-ELCAC regarding the status of such programs and projects; (3) The Regional/Provincial/Municipal/Barangay LPET will consolidate unacted problems and issues to be presented to the agencies concerned in the region through the RTF-ELCAC under the supervision of the CORDS. Feedback on the status will be given to the community concerned; and Page 6 of 12(4) The RTFs-ELCAC, through the CORDS, will monitor and evaluate to ensure that appropriate measures are bei uncertain to respond to the issues and concerns raist in 2) Track 2: Local Peace Dialogues between the Local Peace Panel (Regional/Provincial/Municipal/Barangay) and the CTG a) Pre-Localization Phase (1) (2) Out of the community problem sessions, feelers or intention to hold local peace dialogues or surrender may appear. The Situation Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) Cluster will verify intentions and identity of the members of the _ CTG _— through —_—reliable. intermediaries/emissaries. This is necessary to validate the legitimacy of the CTG and for the safety of RTF- ELCAC/CORDS (Joint RPOC-RDC and sub level joint councils) members. Once the intent and identity of the members have been verified, then it may proceed. b) Localization Phase There are two options. The leaders and/or members of the CTG may either enter into a Local-Level Peace Agreement with a Local Peace Panel (LPP) or directly avail of the E-CLIP. q) Local-Level Peace Agreement Upon the recommendation of the RTF-ELCAC/CORDS, the NTF-ELCAC will create the LPP (Regional/Provincial/Municipa/Barangay) that will conduct local peace dialogues with the CTG. The proposed Local Peace Panel members are as follows: (@) Local Chief Executive; (b) Local AFP Commanders; (©) Local PNP Commanders; (d) Two accredited Civil Society Organizations; (e) One Religious Sector and One Academe; (f) IP Mandatory Representative (Provincial level - areas with ancestral domain) or Traditional Leaders; and (g) Provincial Prosecutor. Page 7 of 12‘The LPP, under supervision of the RTF-ELCAC, through the CORDS, shail: (@) Set-up exploratory dialogues. This is an opportunity for the body to consult and get inputs from the insurgent group on how to peacefully settle the armed conflict, or at the very least, how to humanize it. The body may request the group's leader to submit its proposed ground rules and substantive agenda for the talks; (b) Coordinate with the RTF-ELCAC, through the CORDS, regarding the CTG’s and government's common talking points. After evaluating the situation, the NTF-ELCAC shall provide specific guidance to the body regarding the actual conduct of peace dialogues. The NTF-ELCAC may also designate one or two of its members to join the local panel; (©) Draft the ground rules. This may include conditions for holding the formal peace dialogues, such as: venue, ‘composition of both panels, issuance of safe conduct passes, cessation of hostilities in the area, etc.; (d) Formulate the agenda. This should be informed of the results of the consultations with the community. It may also include other concerns to humanize the armed conflict; () Draft the local-level peace agreement and submit to the NTF-ELCAC, through the RTF-ELCAC/CORDS, for review and approval; () Hold the local-level peace agreement. The following principles shall form the foundation of any dialogue with the armed rebel group: (6.1) The Philippine Republic is the only sovereignty. The government shall never accord belligerency status to any armed rebel group: (£2) The resolution of any issue or the response to any demand shall always be within the bounds of the Philippine Constitution and the ambit of law, (f.3) The local peace panel, through the RTF- ELCAC/CORDS, shall consult the NTF-ELCAC regarding any demand or issue that involves a question of national policy or security prior to making any commitment; and (f.4) Provide regular reports to the NTF-ELCAC, through the RTF-ELCAC/CORDS, regarding the status of local peace engagements. Page 8 of 12(g) Submit to the NTF-ELCAC, through the RTF- ELCAC/CORDS, the draft joint local-level peace agreement, for approval; (h) Sign the joint local-level peace agreement; (i) Implement agreements; (Monitor and evaluate compliance to agreements; and {k) Sign Completion/Exit Agreement. (2) E-CLIP ‘Should the CTG choose this option, the LPP shall conduct initial dialogue with the group and endorse the latter to the E-CLIP/Amnesty Cluster for the availment of benefits, programs and services. ©) Post-Localization Phase The E-CLIP/Amnesty Cluster shall submit regular quarterly reports to NTF-ELCAC, through the RTF-ELCAC/CORDS. It shall also facilitate government's issuance of Amnesty Proclamation. ©. Tasks: 1) 2) 3) PPDC a) Shall be the OPR in the implementation of this CMC; 'b) OPR in the monitoring of development and implementation of signed Local Level Peace Agreements (LLPA) with the CTG; ¢) Conduct Information, Education and Communications activities in Police Regional Offices (PROs) to emphasize the membership of the PNP in the Local Peace Engagement Teams (LPET) under Track 1, and Local Peace Panels (LPP) in Track 2, in coordination with the OPAPRU and DILG; and 4d) Perform other tasks as directed. APCs a) Supervise all PROs under their AOR in the implementation of this CMC; b) Oversee, collate, and monitor the accomplishments of the PNP RCSP Teams under their AOR; and ¢) Perform other tasks as directed. Do a) Provide support to the SAKM Cluster, NTF-ELCAC to verify intentions and identity of CTG members, through reliable Page 9 of 124) 5) 6) 7) 8) intermediaries/emissaries under Track 2; and b) Perform other tasks as directed. po a) Shall be the Co-OPR in the implementation of this CMC; b)Provide support to the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster, NTF-ELCAC for the conduct of Local Conflicts Analysis (LCA), including the following under Track 4: (1) Assessment of Area Profile (areas, issues and context); (2) Identifications of Actors (causes and dynamics); and (3) Prioritization of issues. ¢) Provide support to the E-CLIP and Amnesty Cluster in the reintegration efforts for Former Rebels (FRs) from the CPP- NPA-NDF, including their immediate family members, under Track 2; and ) Perform other tasks as directed. DL a) Provide necessary logistical support to PNP offices/units involved in the conduct of LPE; and b) Perform other tasks as directed. DPCR a) Assist the Strategic Communications (Stratcom) Cluster, NTF- ELCAC in the conduct of strategic communications efforts to effectively disseminate information on government programs and counter the national propaganda of the CTG, while creating intemal mechanism to facilitate public engagement and policy support; and ) Perform other tasks as directed. DPL a) Include the activities associated in this CMC in the Annual Operations Plans and Budget Estimates; and ) Perform other tasks as directed. pc a) Provide budgetary support for the implementation of this CMC; and b) Perform other tasks as directed. Page 10 of 129) DIDM a) Provide list of CTG personalities and organizations with pending criminal cases (and establish data based on existing criminal cases filed against them) through the Crime Information Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS); and b) Perform other tasks as directed. 10) LS a) Review agreements entered into by the LPP (under Track 2) whether or not such agreement is in conformity with the Constitution, Law, Rules, and Regulation; b) Provide necessary legal assistance to all PNP personnel involved in the activities under Tracks 1 and 2; and c) Perform other tasks as directed. 11) CSG a) Supervise the proper storage and security of tuned-in firearms and ammunition by the CTG, through the RCSUs; and b) Perform other tasks as directed. 12) Forensics Group a) Conduct examination and identification on firearms turned-in by FRs, for possible involvement in criminal activities; and b) Perform other tasks as directed. 13) PROs a) Ensure the composition of the Local Peace Engagement Teams (LPETs) and Local Peace Panels (LPPs) are updated monthly; b)Provide the LPET with result of area study through the concemed Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) ‘operators, to separate the insurgents from peace loving people, and identify the needs of the people on the ground; ) Direct all subordinate offices/units to ensure compliance of this CMC; and ) Perform other tasks as directed. 14) HRAO a)Promote and advocate human rights in support to the implementation of Track 1 and Track 2; b) Ensure that issues on human rights be lodged in the proper office or venue; Page 11 of 12¢) Coordinate with the PROs to mobilize its Regional, District, Provincial, City and Station human rights offices; and d) Perform other tasks as directed. 15) Other D-Staff and NSUs a) Provide maximum support in the implementation of this CMC; and b) Perform other tasks as directed 4d, Coordinating Instructions: 1) All tasked offices/units shall submit respective IMPLANs to PPDC (Attn: Chief, Communist Peace Process Section) NLT than five days after receipt of this CMC; 2) All PROs shall submit accomplishment reports every 25" day of the month starting June 2022 and every month thereafter to PPDC (Attn: Chief, Communist Peace Process Sectior 3) Tasked offices/units shall initially utilize existing resources to support the implementation of requirements; 4) Respect for human rights shall be paramount, and strict adherence to the Revised PNP Operational Procedures in all police operations is required; and 5) Lateral coordination among tasked offices/units is highly encouraged 6. EFFECTIVITY: This CMC, issued pursuant to the Memorandum from the Office of the President dated May 6, 2022 with subject, “Additional Authority for the Officer-in- Charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP)", shall take effect immediately. vi IAO, JR Police Lieutenant General Officer-in-Charge, PNP ry fe Distabution: ‘Command Group ious Cmdr, APC Stet P-Statt D.NSUs RO, PROs SPAtothe SLG Page 12 of 12Republic bf the Philippines. NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE PEACE PROCESS AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ‘Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City MEMORANDUM FoR OIETPNP] THRU TDCA =m 04 22 TDCO —APR 29 2022 ses Tcps Hoenat— In 28 22 TN Y TDO 25 FROM — : Chief, PPDC SUBJECT : CMC on PNRUMPLAN to Guidelines for the Conduct of Local Peace Engagements (LPE), National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) DATE : April 19, 2022 1. References: a. Guidelines for the Conduct of Local Peace Engagements (LPE) dated September 18, 2019 signed by the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Director General, National Security Council (DG, NSC)/Vice Chairman, NTF-ELCAC, and Chairperson, NCIP/Executive Director, NTF-ELCAC; b. Executive Order No. 70 dated December 4, 2018 entitled: “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework”; and c. Inputs and recommendations from the Quad Staff, APCs, Legal Service and HRAO. 2. This pertains to the implementation of Local Peace Engagements (LPE) under the NTF-ELCAC to address the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), which will be nationally orchestrated, directed and supervised while being locally implemented. The NTF-ELCAC issued the Guidelines for the conduct of Local Peace Engagements (LPE) (reference a), to serve as guide to all peace stakeholders in the conduct of nationwide LPE in conflict-affected and conflict vulnerable communities through community consultations and problem-solving sessions, and = local peace dialogues with the CTG. Re B CCPNE .o 8 703937) VME4. The inputs and recommendations submitted by the Quad Staff, Area Police Commands, HRAO and Legal Service (reference c) are already incorporated in the CMC. 5. Rurtherrecommendapproval.., EL SY Police Brigadier General File: Memo to CPNP re PNP IMPLAN to Gutdolines forthe Conduct LPE. NTF-ELCAC 4/19/22