With a stable peace-and-order situation, the provincial government of Southern Leyte now hopes to attract more visitors and investment opportunities that can bring economic growth.
This, after two resolutions were recently passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan affirming its stable internal peace and security condition (SIPSC) status.
Resolution No. 397 authorized Governor Damian Mercado to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, represented by Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, the brigade commander.
Another measure, Resolution No. 398, adopted the joint resolution of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and Council for the Protection of Children, declaring the province under a state of safe internal peace and security.
A province, city or municipality is officially placed under a stable internal peace and security condition if there has been no confirmed presence of Communist insurgents, particularly the New People's Army (NPA), and their allied groups in past months.
This declaration once again affirmed the success of the local government's drive to stamp out Communist-led rebellion in a region that was once one of the biggest NPA hotspots in the country.
Vice Governor Rosa Emilia Mercado described the declaration as a milestone for the province, citing the whole-of-nation approach in achieving peace and stability.
“This formal declaration means that Southern Leyte is safely open for the world, serving as a greenlight for investors to build industries, for tourists to explore our natural and historical wonders, and for development projects to reach even the farthest reaches of our province without fear and worry,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Peter Burgonio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, expressed gratitude to the local government units and recognized the sacrifices of the security sector and the community in defending peace against local communist groups while sustaining peace, security, and development.
Governor Mercado, in his message of commitment, said the declaration reflected the province’s continuing efforts to maintain peace, order, and public safety.
He vowed to intensify collaboration among government agencies, non-government organizations, and security forces to sustain the province’s SIPSC status.
“This is a collective effort in making our province a peaceful place to live and work. I can, by myself, proudly say how our province has remained a torch holder in making a peaceful province in the country,” Mercado said.
(With report from PIA)
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