Eastern Samar declared insurgent-free

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 28): Eastern Samar declared insurgent-free

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar – The Philippine Army (PA)’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) is celebrating another milestone here with the declaration of this province as Manageable Conflict Affected and Ready for Development (MCA-RDA) last Tuesday, March 26.

The declaration was held at the Provincial Capitol Building, in this city with Governor Conrado Nicart Jr, and 8thID Commander MGen Gerardo T. Layug, as the main signatories. The event was witnessed by Eastern Samar Vice Governor Christopher P. Gonzales, 801st Infantry Brigade (801IB) Commander BGen Romeo L. Labador, Col. Jacinto R. Bareng representing Central Command (Centcom) head Rear Admiral Edgar T. Abogado, and PSupt Jose Caesar Bueza BisoBeso of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office.

“By nature, every leader and every man always wishes to have peace in their respective community, for without peace there would be no progress and prosperity,” said Nicart, who also lauded the effort of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province.

“Peace and order is one of the flagship programs of my administration, it is a concerted effort and coordination of all government agencies to make Eastern Samar a peaceful and better place to live with,” he added.

Nicart also stressed that the joint declaration is not only the success of his administration but rather, the success of each and every Eastern Samareño.”

For his part, MGen Layug cited that the joint declaration of Eastern Samar as a MCA-RDA province is, indeed, a very significant event which showed that the spirit of ‘Bayanihan” is strong among the PA, local government units and other stakeholders in this province.

“We are sending a strong message that we in Eastern Samar believe that it is through peace and development efforts, and not armed struggle, that we can achieve sustainable development and a just a lasting peace in this part of the country,” Layug added.

Meanwhile, Bareng read the message of Abogado who congratulated the Provincial Peace and Order Council led by Governor Nicart for steering the Eastern Samar towards the path of peace.

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