Just a week ago, the Municipality of Pitogo joined the long list of Quezon towns that are insurgency-free. Pitogo joins in the roster the municipalities of Guinayangan, Tagkawayan and the City of Lucena. It seems that we are now seeing a clearer picture on the long fight of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the eradication of the rebel groups in the country.
According to the report of 85th Infantry Sandiwa Battalion, there are two former members of Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL), four former members of Milisyang Bayan (MB) and 116 former supporters of New People's Army (NPA) have shunned the communist movement and vowed support for the government in Tagkawayan, Quezon. These former rebels sworn allegiance to the government spearheaded by the Municipal Mayor Luis Oscar Eleazar.
Social Development Program
Government agencies including Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) have laid down programs to ensure sustainable programs that will help former rebels. Grocery packages were also distributed to the community from the Office ofCongressman Mike Tan.
Last May 15, Guinayangan, Quezon also sealed the declaration as Stable Internal Peace and Security, following the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Municipal Mayor Maria Marieden Isaac, Police LieutenantGeneral Rhoderick Armamento, Represented by Police Major Raul Abenilla, Brigadier General Erwin Alea, Quezon Police Provincial Director, Ledon Monte represented by Police Major Redelio Calawit, Lieutenant Colonel Joel Jonson, and Police Major Lindley Tibuc.
Peace and Development
In the statement, Lieutenant Colonel Jonson mentioned that this declaration ends the visibility and influence of CPP-NPA-NDF in the areas covered by 85th Infantry Battalion (85IB). This also acknowledged that the cooperation between the community and the government will enable peace and development in the area.
Moreover, in the signing of declaration for the City of Lucena, as Insurgency Free, Calabarzon Police Regional Director Carlito Gaces, cited the continuing efforts to eradicate terrorism in pursuant of the 'sustainable objective to peace and order.'
Present at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding are Governor Helen Tan, Vice Mayor Rhoderick Alcala, City Director, Engr. Danilo Nobleza and members from the Philippines National Police spearheaded by CALABARZON Regional Police Director Carlito Gaces and Quezon Provincial Police Director Ledon Monte.