Catarman poised for declaration as ‘stable internal peace and security condition’

Mayor Rosales III welcome the declaration

TACLOBAN CITY – The town of Catarman, the capital of Northern Samar, is now ready to be declared under a stable internal peace and security condition, marking a major milestone in the region’s pursuit of lasting peace and stability.

This announcement was made by the Philippine Army during the recently-held 3rd Quarter Joint Meeting of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC).
Mayor Francisco Aurello Rosales III expressed his gratitude to the military, barangay officials, and various sectors of society who played a role in helping establish peace and order in Catarman.

“This is a significant achievement for our town, and I commend all those who have contributed to making this possible,” the mayor said.

Before Catarman can be officially declared as insurgency-free, a resolution must be passed by the MPOC and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), followed by the submission of necessary documents for verification.

Lt. Col. Nasser Arojo, commander of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, reported that as of August 10, 2024, there are no remaining elements of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Catarman or any other areas within the battalion’s area of responsibility.

“As of August 10, 2024, there are no longer enemy forces in the entire first district of Northern Samar. We are ready to declare the district as having achieved a stable internal security condition,” he stated.

According to Arojo, the NPA presence has significantly diminished since 2023, when 15 members were reported active in the area.

Of these, two have already surrendered, while five have gone into hiding, fleeing to Metro Manila. The military continues its efforts to track down those who have fled, encouraging them to surrender.

The 43rd IB covers 14 towns within Northern Samar’s first district, as well as the city of Calbayog, Sta. Margarita, and the island municipalities of Tagapul-an, Sto. Niño, and Almagro in Samar province.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)