Once considered as one of the "hotbeds" of the rebel group New People's Army (NPA) in Laguna province, the town of Cavinti is now free of the communist insurgency, according to the military.
In a ceremony held Tuesday, February 27, the Philippine Army 2nd Infantry "Jungle Fighter" Division said the town has now achieved "Stable Internal Peace and Security" (SIPS).
Mayor Arrantlee Arroyo joined officials from the national government, along with 202nd Infantry "Unifier" Brigade, Philippine Army Commander B/Gen. Cerilo Balaoro, Jr., in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to certify Cavinti's SIPS status.
During the ceremony, Balaoro also urged all rebels still fighting against the national government to return to the fold of the government and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which aims to provide livelihood to former rebels.
Cavinti is the third town in Laguna province to be declared free of communist insurgency, along with Kalayaan and Santa Maria.
(With report from PIA/OpinYon News Team)
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