DWDD: SOLCOM declares 13 Provinces of Southern Luzon Conflict Manageable

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 11): SOLCOM declares 13 Provinces of Southern Luzon Conflict Manageable



Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City- The Southern Luzon Command (SolCom) AFP thru the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro and other stakeholders formally declared today, October 11, the Province of Occidental Mindoro as a “Conflict Manageable and Ready for Further Development” (CMRFD) province in a ceremony held at Provincial Capitol, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Occidental Mindoro Governor Mario Gene J Mendiola and Major General Romeo G. Gan, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division and Police Senior Superintendent Reynaldo B Jagmis, Provincial Director, Occidental Mindoro representing Acting Regional Director PRO-4B in the presence of Lieutenant General Ferdinand F. Quidilla, Commander Southern Luzon Command AFP and Colonel Antonio G Parlade, Commander of 203rd Infantry Brigade.

 

It was in April 1977 when insurgency from the mainland of southern Luzon expands in the Island of Mindoro. The purpose is to establish an area of influence where they can support the organizing stage of the NPA in the Island through propaganda against the government and recruit members to join the rebel group.

Since May 1981 to 2000, Mindoreño suffered security threats due to the presence of the NPA rebels. Mass demonstration in the Towns and City, extortion activities, recruitment particularly members of the minority, skirmishes, and ambuscades to the responding government forces, arson, and coercion to those who refuse to support the movement.

Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines General Ricardo R Visaya said that the declaration of the province as CMRFD is a significant contribution to the local government, stakeholders and the people of Mindoro. The duty of the AFP will not end here. We will continue our commitment in a clearing not only your province of threats and prepare them as ready for development but be doing it on all other provinces until the entire country is set as a peaceful, progressive and prosperous nation.

“I congratulate the people of Mindoro for putting their best foot forward in making province peaceful and now ready for further development. Your Armed Forces of the Philippines together with the police and the Local Government of Occidental Mindoro will remain active in its quest for bringing peace and security to the people ”SOLCOM Commander, Lieutenant General Ferdinand F Quidilla said before reading the message of General Visaya.



The Provincial Director, Occidental Mindoro Police Senior Superintendent Reynaldo B Jagmis, said the declaration of the province remains a big challenge but we are confident because we have a strong AFP partners.

Governor Mario Gene J Mendiola said after 30 years of fear and unrest of insurgency threats the province will be declared as conflict manageable and ready for further development. The Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro will take pride and accept the challenge of taking the lead role in the implementation of socio-economic programs supported by the AFP and the PNP. I thank you all particularly the AFP and PNP for supporting the provincial government in its quest for a peaceful and progressive province.

Occidental Mindoro is the 13th CMRFD province declared under SOLCOM’s area of responsibility.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/10/11/solcom-declares-13-provinces-of-southern-luzon-conflict-manageable/