The municipality of Pagsanjan has been added to the growing list of areas in Laguna province that have been officially declared free of communist insurgency.
Municipal Administrator Erlinda Aquino, representing Mayor Cesar Areza, led the official signing of the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), along with officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) last Tuesday, December 17.
Col. Ernest John Jadloc, deputy commander of the Philippine Army's 202nd Infantry Brigade and commander of Task Force Ugnay, hailed the declaration as a "testament to the tireless dedication of our local government, security forces, and the community."
“Achieving Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status requires unity, commitment, and vigilance —qualities that Laguna has consistently demonstrated. This milestone signifies not just the end of insurgency but the beginning of greater peace, development, and progress opportunities," he said in a statement Wednesday, December 18
Jadloc further said the achievement inspires other provinces striving for stability and reinforces Laguna’s standing as a model of peace and progress.
The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), in collaboration with the 202nd Infantry Brigade and various stakeholders, remains steadfast in its mission to maintain peace and stability for the benefit of all Lagunenses, he said.
Addressing concerns about a recent armed encounter in the hinterlands of Famy, Laguna, Jadloc clarified that the perpetrators involved were from outside the province.
The government-initiated operation was based on a timely tip from the local community, highlighting the importance of public cooperation in sustaining peace efforts.
With Pagsanjan's insurgency-free status, Laguna inches closer to its SIPS revalidation, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a secure and progressive environment for its residents.
Among the towns and cities that have also achieved SIPS status in Laguna province include the cities of Calamba and San Pedro and the towns of Los Baños, Famy, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pangil, Kalayaan, Santa Maria and Cavinti.
(With report from PNA/OpinYon News Team)
#OpinYonLaguna #OpinYonnews #Pagsanjan