TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army announced on Monday that two additional towns in Southern Leyte have been officially recognized as completely free from the New People's Army (NPA) threats.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, stated that this declaration, made by the mayors of San Ricardo and Pintuyan, represents a significant achievement in the ongoing endeavor to uphold peace and security in the region.
"With no reports of armed rebels in these areas for several years, both towns have attained an insurgency-free status and are now under officially recognized stable internal peace and security conditions (SIPSC)," Vestuir explained during a phone interview.
A municipality qualifies for SIPSC designation when there has been no NPA presence for several years, and no residents are associated with active rebel involvement, Vestuir added.
To commemorate the declarations, ceremonies were held on October 11 that featured the signing of memorandums of agreement and pledges of commitment, alongside the symbolic release of white doves to represent peace and new beginnings.
Earlier this year, similar declarations were made for 39 towns across Leyte Island, Biliran province, and parts of Samar and Eastern Samar provinces, all within the operational area of the 802nd Infantry Brigade.
In Southern Leyte, previous declarations of rebel-free status had already been made in the towns of Padre Burgos, Bontoc, and Macrohon.
Vestuir noted that these municipalities have been free of influence from the communist terrorist group for years, achieving a conflict-manageable condition.
The military emphasized that many areas in the region have long enjoyed peace, and the SIPSC declaration serves as a formal acknowledgment of the local leaders' and residents' commitment to preserving peace and preventing any threat groups from finding a foothold in their communities.
(PNA News)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #NPA #SIPSC