Governor: Insurgency in Negros Oriental 'insignificant'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Governor: Insurgency in Negros Oriental 'insignificant'

DUMAGUETE CITY –- Governor Roel Degamo has declared that “insurgency has no place in Negros Oriental” as long as he is the governor of the province.

The statement was contained in the message of the governor during the culmination of the celebration marking the National Peace Consciousness Month held at the Robinsons mall in Dumaguete Sunday.

The governor said insurgency in the province has become insignificant because his administration was sincere and determined to address the root cause of poverty and by bringing government closer to the people through basic social services; one of the most popular is the conduct of “bayanihan” activities in hinterland barangays, medical missions and the like.

A committee headed by Fr. Enrique Balongag of the Colegio de Sta. Catalina of Alejandria (COSCA) was tasked to look into the status of the declaration of the province as a conflict manageable and development ready province, according to the governor.

Degamo said he was satisfied with the initial findings that indeed Negros Oriental remains a conflict management and development ready province urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and Negorenses to help preserve the gains and to strive for an insurgency-free province before the year ends.

Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, 79th Infantry Batallion commanding officer, has confirmed that after more than one year since the declaration, it has not encountered any single violent skirmish involving the New People’s Army, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd districts in the province.

OIC provincial commander Sr. Supt Dionardo Carlos said the provincial police in partnership with the Army headed by Col. Allan Martin, the civil society organization, and other security forces, has committed to help preserve the peace in this part of the country.

He said peace is something that must be collectively embraced, nurtured and continuously pursued not just for the province but also for the entire country.

During the culmination activity, winners of the Art For Peace contest were recognized as follows:

Lunally Duria, student of the Balugo National High School, 3rd place; Dianne Yoic Capnoy of the Negros Oriental High School, 2nd place; and Frederick Amores of Valencia National High School, champion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=809136