Zambo del Norte declared Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready province

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 15): Zambo del Norte declared Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready province

The province of Zamboanga del Norte has been declared Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready province following the signing of a joint resolution by the military, police and local elective officials in a simple ceremony held last Dec. 11 at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center this city.

The signing was led 1st Infantry Tabak Division Commander, BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Philippine National Police (PNP)-9 regional director, Chief Supt. Edgar O. Basbas, and Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy and attended by other AFP, PNP and local government officials.

Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy, PNP provincial director, SSupt. Juanito Enguerra and other provincial, city and municipal officials also came to witness the event.

In his welcome message, Vice Governor Senen O. Angeles called upon the local populace to support the effort of the military and police in sustaining the maintenance of peace and order in the province, as it will open up the avenue for development of the people’s lives.

Except for some minor adjustments, Barrientos said the military personnel presently assigned here will remain here and will support the local police in the maintenance of peace and order.

Governor Roberto Uy also vowed to implement development projects and address the poverty problems in the province, as he also thanked the military and the police for their support in the maintenance of peace and order.

Chief Supt. Basbas said “peace and order is a universal concern and everyone is duty-bound to play his respective role.” He further assured that “the police will continue to enforce law and order and will never lower their guard, so as not to allow lawless elements any opportunity to strike.”
                                                         
101st Infantry Brigade Commander, BGen. Apolinario Alobba said that insurgency incidence has tremendously (decreased) in the past years. Though, he admitted that there are still insurgents in the province, but are now on the run and operating in the remote areas only.

Apart from thanking the leadership of the provincial government for providing the long-needed projects by the people, the top military and police officials assured the public of their commitment to serve and protect the people in the province.

Other witnesses to signing activity were city officials  and employees , barangay officials, judiciary, academe, religious sector, business sector, civic organizations and the local media.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1441418627948/zambo-del-norte-declared-conflict-manageable-and-development-ready-province