Declaration seen to attract investors
TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Biliran and the city of Calbayog have been declared insurgency-free by the military, a status that local government officials believe will boost investor confidence.
The insurgency-free declaration for Calbayog City was made on Tuesday, September 10, while Biliran’s was announced the following day, September 11.
Calbayog is the first city in Eastern Visayas to receive this designation, and Biliran is the first province in the region to achieve the same status.
An area is considered insurgency-free when there is a significant reduction or neutralization of the New People’s Army (NPA) presence, and no recent hostile incidents, such as ambushes or encounters, have occurred between government forces and the rebel group.
Additionally, no barangay should be under the control or influence of communist insurgents, among other criteria.
Biliran Governor Gerard Espina expressed satisfaction with the declaration, emphasizing its potential to attract more investors to the province.
“Biliran is an emerging investment destination, and this declaration will significantly boost the confidence of businessmen to invest here,” Espina said during the ceremony held at the provincial gym in Naval town.
“This reflects our vision of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Biliran. The collaboration between the military, police, local government, and community members has been crucial in achieving this goal.”
The declaration in Biliran was attended by National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., who highlighted the milestone’s significance for peace and prosperity in the province.
“The declaration of SIPSC (Sustained Internal Peace and Security Condition) is not only a symbol of peace but a testament to the dedicated efforts of our military, government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations,” Torres said.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, attributed Biliran’s insurgency-free status to the cooperation among government agencies.
“As Biliran joins other insurgency-free provinces, it lays a strong foundation for long-term development and peace. This achievement underscores the power of collaboration and unity, ensuring a secure and prosperous future for its people,” Vestuir said.
Meanwhile, Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy acknowledged the insurgency-free declaration but admitted that maintaining this status could be a challenge.
“While I am confident that we can maintain this status, the challenge does not end with the declaration,” Mayor Uy remarked during the occasion.
Mayor Uy noted that although the insurgency-free status brings peace to the city, there remains the possibility that some groups may attempt to disrupt the current stability.
He also pointed out that Calbayog is often listed as an area of concern during elections due to the presence of partisan armed groups, including members of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Past elections in the city have been marred by shooting incidents, sometimes resulting in fatalities.
“This is truly a challenge for all of us. Every election period, Calbayog is always listed as an area of concern. We hope this will change and that no more lives will be lost due to politics,” Uy added.
