SurSur guv urges to sustain anti-insurgency efforts

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 10): SurSur guv urges to sustain anti-insurgency efforts

"The long awaited dream for Surigao del Sur province to attain the status of diminished uprising has now become a reality. For the past 30 years, we had struggled to fight the battle against insurgency. So many casualties and properties were damaged but at present we have improved significantly. I urge the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the people dwelling in our area to keep performing their duties at its best for the province to totally end the problem of insurgency and eventually achieve our objectives."

These are the encouraging words delivered by Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel as he spurred for support from Surigaonons during the official declaration of the province he is serving as conflict manageable and ready for further development held yesterday in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur vice governor Manuel Alameda Sr. welcomed all the guests and participants. He also expressed his optimism that the province will become more progressive as it maintains to be peaceful and conflict manageable.

"It’s still a long journey to go. Today's declaration as conflict manageable doesn't mean that the province is insurgency-free, but with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), it can be surmised that we are very much ready to accommodate potential investors and do business in the province, advance the tourism and its economic status. We are paving at the right track and we will do our best to achieve our end goals," mentioned Pimentel.

Pimentel also underscored that for the first time, the province has noted in particular the failure of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/New People's Army (NPA) to hold its plenum. “This means that we have seriously dedicated our efforts in winning peace and order, leading to the success of this milestone," stated Pimentel.

The MOA signing was split into five parts—ribbon cutting for the peace and development gallery, program proper, entrustment of new firearms, wall of commitment signing, and the press briefing. Other highlights that formed part of the event were the awarding of livelihood, cash and cooperative development assistance to the Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (CLIP) beneficiaries.

The three major parties representing the province of Surigao del Sur, the AFP, and the PNP signed the MOA.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761457506870/sursur-guv-urges-to-sustain-anti-insurgency-efforts