In the fight against communist insurgency
CATBALOGAN CITY– The military continues to declare local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas as having a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) or being “insurgency-free,” though they are cautious in awarding this status.
This was stated by MGen Camilo Ligayo, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division during the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ event held at Camp Vicente Lukban, based this city, on Tuesday, August 13.
“Of course, we want all LGUs to be declared with SIPSC status, but we must be careful in awarding it. We should follow all the parameters in making these declarations,” said MGen Ligayo.
Out of the 136 towns, seven cities, and six provinces in the region, at least 35 municipalities have already been awarded SIPSC status, mostly in Eastern Samar.
These municipalities include Giporlos, Oras, Maydolong, Guiuan, Balangkayan, Mercedes, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, San Policarpo, Lawaan, Llorente, Salcedo, and Quinapondan.
Other LGUs declared insurgency-free are Sta. Margarita, Sto. Niño, Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Almagro, and Talalora in Samar province; Allen, San Jose, Rosario, Capul, Biri, and San Vicente in Northern Samar; Palompon, Matag-ob, Isabel, Merida, Hilongos, and Bato in Leyte province; and Bontoc and Macrohon in Southern Leyte.
MGen Ligayo added that more LGUs would be declared insurgency-free in the coming months.
To be awarded SIPSC status, an LGU must be free from the presence, influence, and activity of the New People’s Army for at least a year.
The declaration is supported by a resolution from the respective Sangguniang Bayan or Panlalawigan, signed and approved by the mayor or governor who heads the local task force to end local armed conflict.
Having been awarded SIPSC status, these towns are now positioned to attract investments and development projects, including boosting their tourism potential, which is expected to stimulate the local economy and create jobs.
While most of the awarded LGUs are municipalities, 802nd Brigade Commander BGen Noel Vestuir revealed that Biliran province would soon receive the same recognition.
Vestuir said they are waiting for resolutions from the province’s eight towns, attesting that their respective areas are peaceful and free from insurgency influence. He added that they aim to award Biliran with SIPSC status by September or before the year ends.
He emphasized that LGUs must continue working to maintain peaceful communities after receiving SIPSC status by addressing social issues and providing solutions to local problems.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
