Pamplona brgy ‘NPA-free’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 6): Pamplona brgy ‘NPA-free’

Barangay Banawe in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, that used to be a haven of communist New People’s Army rebels, has been declared “insurgency-free and development ready” by the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade.

This brought to six the number of former rebel-controlled areas declared as insurgency-free by the Area Clearing Evaluation Board, chaired by Col. Christopher Estella, deputy 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, since last month.

Other hinterland barangays declared insurgence-free are Siapo and Basak in San Jose, Silab in Amlan, Enrique Villanueva in Sibulan, and Dobdob in Valencia, all in Negros Oriental, military records show.

The signing of the Area Clearing Evaluation Board report Wednesday in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, was attended by Estella, Senior Inspector Renato Bureros, Pamplona police chief, Banawe Brgy. Capt. Agatona Sillos, and Sangguniang Bayan members Joel Remolano and Roberto Saga.

Estella declared that Brgy. Banawe is now ready for development.

“As we declare those barangays cleared from the NPA influence, we expect that development will flow into those areas,” Estella said. However, he added, those barangays will still be threatened by the NPA if the issues and concerns of the people are not addressed.

He attributed the “enlightening of the hearts and minds of the masses” to the convergence of the government efforts and the key role of local government units.
The 302nd Infantry Brigade is running against time to clear more than 70 barangays in central and southeastern Negros Oriental, classified as either infiltrated, or under the influence of the NPA.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/06/negor2.htm