TACLOBAN CITY – The city of Maasin was declared as insurgency-free on Friday, November 29, during a ceremony attended by local leaders and military officials.
The event was led by Mayor Nacional Mercado, chair of the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC), and Southern Leyte 1st District Representative Luz Mercado.
Key military and police officials present included Colonel Rico Amaro, deputy brigade commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gabia, commanding officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion; and Police Colonel Hector Enage, provincial director of the Philippine National Police.
During the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a pledge of commitment were signed, followed by the symbolic release of white doves, representing peace and a new beginning for the city.
Mayor Mercado thanked all stakeholders involved in achieving what is officially called the Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) and emphasized the importance of continuing peace efforts.
“This declaration is a call to action for us to sustain peace and security in Maasin. It brings us closer to our vision of sustainable progress and a better quality of life for every Maasinhon,” said Mayor Mercado.
Maasin is the first city under the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s jurisdiction to reach this milestone, surpassing other cities like Ormoc, Baybay, and Tacloban. Forty-five municipalities in Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, and parts of Samar and Eastern Samar have also been declared insurgency-free.
The insurgency-free status is granted to local government units that meet criteria, such as the absence of violence from the New People’s Army (NPA) for at least one year and the clearance of active NPA supporters.
Colonel Amaro congratulated Maasin for its achievement, emphasizing the importance of peace and resilience.
“Let’s be proud and make Maasin a template for peace, security, and conflict resilience,” said Colonel Amaro.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the collaboration between local officials, barangay leaders, and the community.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the unity and hard work of everyone involved,” said Vestuir.
The Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in Maasin.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
