Pampanga declared 'insurgency-free'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Pampanga declared 'insurgency-free'

The Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) on Tuesday declared Pampanga as “insurgency-free” and ready for further development.

During the joint meeting of Regional Development Council III (RDC-3) and Regional Peace and Order Council III (RPOC-3) held at Kingsborough International Convention Center here, the declaration was made in view of the continuing progress in the province in terms of economy and tourism and the stakeholders' trust and confidence to its stable peace and order situation.

Lt. Col. George Bergonia of the 48th Infantry Battalion (IB) said that they are working hand-in-hand with the local government to clear more provinces of communist rebels.

“First was Bataan, Pampanga is the second to be declared as insurgent free province and we are hoping that by next year Bulacan will also be declared,"he said.

Governor Lilia Pineda, together with Maj. General Emmanuel B. Salamat, commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM); Maj. Gen. Angelito M. De Leon, commander of the 7ID of the Philippine Army (PA); Col. Abraham Claro C. Casis, 703 brigade commander; Pampanga Provincial Police Director Joel R. Consulta and Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Julie Daquioag marked the event with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the province insurgency-free.

According to Bergonia, the agreement ensures to sustain and integrate internal security measures against Communist Terrorist Movement (CTM) and other organized elements or groups engaged in armed offensive against the government.

He also clarified that pursuit operations against suspected rebels will continue to ensure the safety of the community.

The joint-meeting tackled several concerns, including law enforcement, peace process, public safety, grassroots community development, and disaster response.

It was aimed at maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of the people in the entire Central Luzon region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010836