In a significant step toward peace and stability, the Philippine Army has officially declared all seven municipalities of Leyte’s first congressional district as insurgency-free.
The declaration was made during a ceremony held on June 20 at the Palo town gymnasium, where each municipality—Palo, Babatngon, Tanauan, San Miguel, Tolosa, Santa Fe, and Alangalang—received individual resolutions affirming their status.
This milestone marks a major achievement in the government’s efforts to combat insurgency in the region.
The declaration not only signifies the absence of active communist New People’s Army (NPA) presence but also symbolizes the collective desire of local leaders and residents for lasting peace.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, highlighted the importance of the move.
“This sends a strong message of rejection to the NPA and its supporters,” he stated.
While recent years have seen no NPA activity in the district, Santa Fe remains cautious due to reports of “white areas”—zones with civilian sympathizers and potential recruitment fronts.
The first district, which includes Tacloban City, is under the jurisdiction of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
A similar declaration for Tacloban City is currently being prepared.
Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, also president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Leyte chapter, lauded the collective effort.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to peace and security. We will continue working to sustain this achievement,” she said.
To date, 61 municipalities within the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s area have achieved insurgency-free status, meeting criteria such as the absence of NPA violence for at least a year and the removal of active supporters.
This declaration aligns with the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict, fostering hope that Leyte will soon be fully declared insurgency-free.
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