3rd town in S. Leyte to be declared
TACLOBAN CITY – The town of Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte has been officially declared as having a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), commonly known as “insurgency-free” status, adding to the growing list of local government units in the region that have achieved this dAesignation.
The SIPSC declaration for Padre Burgos was made on September 4, during a ceremony attended by key municipal officials, including Mayor Hermenegildo Culpa, who also chairs the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC).
Other municipal and barangay officials, as well as members of the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), were present.
Military and police officials who attended the event included Colonel Rico Amaro, deputy brigade commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gabia, commanding officer of the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion; Police Lieutenant Colonel Sam Andarino; and Police Lieutenant Virgilio Jayma, team leader of the Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company.
Padre Burgos, home to more than 10,500 people, joins the towns of Bontoc, Malitbog, and Macrohon in Southern Leyte, which have also been declared insurgency-free.
In his speech, Mayor Culpa expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to achieving peace in Padre Burgos.
He emphasized that the SIPSC declaration paves the way for further development and an improved quality of life for the town’s residents.
“This recognition will also boost our tourism industry,” Culpa said, noting that Padre Burgos is a popular destination for divers.
The town is home to three Department of Tourism-accredited diving resorts and serves as the gateway to Limasawa Island, where the first Easter Mass in Asia was held in March 1521.
Col.Amaro praised local officials for their dedication to maintaining peace in the municipality.
“Today, we send a message to the nation that Padre Burgos is in a stable internal peace and security condition. We stand united with all sectors in ensuring the needs of our citizens are met, and we urge everyone to resist any groups or individuals that may incite terrorism or criminality,” he said.
The declaration ceremony included the signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and pledges of cmmitment, as well as the symbolic release of white doves, representing peace and a new beginning for the community.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
