The historic island town of Limasawa in Southern Leyte has officially been declared entirely free from the threats posed by the New People's Army (NPA), as announced by the Philippine Army on Friday.
According to Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, who leads the Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade, this declaration, spearheaded by Mayor Melchor Petracorta, signifies a vital achievement in the ongoing quest for peace and stability in the region.
Vestuir shared in a phone interview that there has been no sighting of armed rebels in the area for several years, allowing Limasawa to attain an insurgency-free status alongside stable internal peace and security conditions (SIPSC).
A town can be awarded SIPSC status when it has not experienced NPA activity for several years and when no residents have been identified as active armed rebels, Vestuir explained.
In celebration of this milestone, ceremonies took place on Thursday, featuring the signing of memoranda of agreements and commitments. The event also included the simultaneous release of white doves, a powerful symbol of peace and new beginnings.
Limasawa holds historical significance as the second island where the Magellan Expedition landed in 1521 and has a population of 6,191 across six villages.
In addition to Limasawa, other towns in Southern Leyte, including San Ricardo, Pintuyan, Padre Burgos, Tomas Oppus, Bontoc, and Macrohon, have previously been declared free of rebel influence.
Vestuir noted that these municipalities had been free from the grip of communist terrorist groups for years and were now classified as conflict-manageable areas.
The military emphasized that many regions within the province have enjoyed long-lasting peace, stating that the declaration of SIPSC is an official acknowledgment of the local leaders’ and communities’ commitment to maintaining this tranquility.
The declaration reassures residents that efforts will continue to prevent any threat groups from establishing a presence in their neighborhoods.
Overall, the recognition of Limasawa and its peers as free from insurgency reflects the hard work and dedication of local authorities and citizens toward building a peaceful and stable community.
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