Arayat new mayor to push for peace initiative

ARAYAT - The former “supremo” of the so-called Hukbong Mapagpalayang Bayan and now newly elected mayor of this town is planning to hold a municipal wide peace initiative to put an end on a series of killings and other criminalities  perpetrated in various localities here.

Mayor Emmanuel Bonifacio “Bon” Alejandrino in an interview over the weekends disclosed that he would reach out various armed groups including concerned non-government organizations to come up with the development plan anchored on common desire to achieve development by transforming the town into a peace loving community.

"Uupuan natin ang lahat ng grupo na may hawak na baril. Tatanungin natin sila kung ano talaga ang pakay nila dito sa ating bayan. Pakikiusapan natin sila na tumulong na lamang sila sa pagsasaayos ng katahimikan dito sa Arayat. Kung ayaw naman nilang sumama sa pagkilos ay kailangan muna nilang umalis dito," he told Sun Star Pampanga.

Alejandrino explained that investment will not come in Arayat if the problem on peace and order will remain unsolved.

He stated  that the investors are first interested in knowing whether the local government unit can protect their investment including their people.

"Nang malaman ng mga mamumuhunan na tayo ang nanalong mayor, mayroon ng nagpasabi na gusto na nila pumasok dito para maglagak ng puhunan pero siyempre kailangan muna nating ayusin ang peace and order situation natin," the newly elected mayor stressed.

However, Alejandrino admitted that moving various armed groups into common agenda is a big challenge as it would require strong leadership to encourage them to  lay down arms and cooperate instead in making the town a peace loving place.

But still, he is optimistic that development and big investments will their way in Arayat town in due time with the support local leaders, residents and other stakeholders.

Alejandrino is a well-known “Robin Hood” of Arayat and nearby municipalities who silently helping out people from all walks of life.