Surigao Norte LGU inks MOA with 4ID, PA for insurgency-free province

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Surigao Norte LGU inks MOA with 4ID, PA for insurgency-free province

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the declaration of Siargao Islands as ‘insurgency-free’ and Surigao del Norte as ‘conflict manageable and ready for further development’ is signed on Sunday in General Luna, Siargao between the provincial government of Surigao del Norte led by Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chairperson and governor Sol Matugas and Task Force Diamond, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army (PA) represented by Col. Henry Dar.

According to Gov. Matugas, the signing ceremony in the declaration of the island as insurgency-free is history in the making wherein said areas are given the proof of reality that indeed stable and habitable. " Such feat is never easy to achieve. I would like to attribute this to the disciplined and loving people of Siargao and Surigao del Norte who painstakingly perpetuate and preserved the time learned values of respect, love, pride of place, solidarity, generosity, and most of all religiousity. I also commend and recognize the Army forces for their best efforts in planting the seed of peace in the island of Siargao where east meets west,” underscored Matugas.

In a provision as contained in the MOA, Siargao Island has never been influenced by the CCP/NPA/NDF (CNN) as its politico-military infrastructure does not exist. The insurgent’s armed group has ceased to exist and there has been no record of terroristic and NPA initiated violent incident for the past years. Likewise, lawless criminal activities have come to a very manageable level which the PNP can ably address.

“The leadership of the Philippine Army (PA) through MGen Oscar Lactao and the Philippne National Police (PNP) through PCSupt Vert Chavez and their officers and staff have made a big difference in the province. Today, we stand with pride here in the island as we celebrate the recognition you accorded to this world gem of beauty and adventure – Siargao, an insurgency-free island,” articulated Matugas.

It can be recalled that a Joint Recommendation Report (Declaration of Siargao Island as Insurgency-Free Province) dated September 20, 2015 was passed and approved by the SDN-PPOC. It aims to build confidence among the people and the stakeholders in order to create an environment that is conducive to socio-economic, political and cultural development, free of CNN influence.

“Thank you to the Phil. Army, PNP and Department of Interior and Local Government for the job well done and for working with us in sustaining peace and security in Caraga region," said Gov. Matugas.

Along with the inking of MOA, all other local government officials of said areas also affix their signatures on the board of pledge as a manifesto of their unrelenting support by providing quality service, and ensuring the preservation of peace in homes/communities and environmental possessions abound its province.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761442802276/surigao-norte-lgu-inks-moa-with-4id-pa-for-insurgency-free-province