In the fight against insurgency
TACLOBAN CITY – Two towns in Eastern Samar province, Hernani and Maydolong, have been declared to have a stable internal peace and security condition (SIPC) by their respective local government units and the Philippine Army last week.
The declarations took place on July 16 in Hernani and July 18 in Maydolong.
“This declaration of SIPC in Hernani and Maydolong is another successful achievement of the government advocacy in relation to Executive Order No. 70, The Whole-of-Nation Approach,” reads a statement from the 78th Infantry Battalion.
“The declaration of SIPC in the municipalities of Hernani and Maydolong demonstrates the reliable cooperation of the municipalities and local government units in the pursuit of achieving peace and development in the province,” it added.
The declarations were made by the mayors, deputy commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade Colonel Rico Amaro, and an official from the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office.
Maydolong Mayor Godofredo Garado and Hernani Mayor Amado Candido expressed their gratitude to the agencies that supported the declaration of SIPC in their municipalities as they noted that this declaration would help attract investors to do business in their areas.
Col. Amaro thanked the officials of the two municipalities for their cooperation and support in the Philippine Army’s campaign to end insurgency in the country. He also congratulated them for being declared “insurgency-free.”
After signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU), Col. Amaro reminded local officials to continually address and emphasize the needs of the people.
“Our responsibility does not end with what we signed; we must strengthen our cooperation,” he said.
To date, six LGUs in Eastern Samar under the jurisdiction of the 78th Infantry Battalion have been declared as SIPC. These include the towns of Sulat, San Julian, Giporlos, and Mercedes.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
