Rizal town 'insurgency-free'

 From the Manila Times (Jun3, 2023): Rizal town 'insurgency-free' (By Franco Jose C. Baroña)

THE 2nd Infantry Jungle Fighter Division of the Philippine Army has announced the declaration of the municipality of Tanay in the province of Rizal as "insurgency-free."

The Tanay Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, with assistance from the 202nd Infantry "Unifier" Brigade and the 80th Infantry "Steadfast" Battalion, facilitated the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the Declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) of the municipality of Tanay on May 31, 2023.

The event was seen marking a significant milestone in the region's pursuit of stable internal peace and security and serving as a testament to collaborative efforts made by various stakeholders in achieving lasting peace in the Calabarzon Region.

The region groups the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

The event included the signing of a pledge of commitment, reaffirming the community's dedication to peace and progress.

The ceremony heard once more the declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front as persona non-grata in Tanay.

"The declaration of Tanay as insurgency-free is a testament to our unwavering dedication and collective efforts together with the various [task forces to end local communist armed conflict], LGUs [local government units] and the community as a whole. This achievement represents a significant stride toward a peaceful and prosperous future not only for Tanay but the entire Rizal province," Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong said in a statement.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/03/news/national/rizal-town-insurgency-free/1894270