Aurora declared under stable internal peace, security

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2024): Aurora declared under stable internal peace, security (By Jason De Asis)

PEACE AND SECURITY DECLARATION. Aurora Acting Governor Reynante Tolentino (in white shirt) is shown together with other government officials after the signing of a resolution declaring the province of Aurora under a state of stable internal peace and security in Baler town on Wednesday (March 13, 2024). This was after the Department of the Interior and Local Government declared that 15 villages in two municipalities were cleared of insurgency influence. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has declared Aurora province to be in a state of stable internal peace and security, which is seen to promote sustainable development, attract more investments, and boost tourism.

This was after five barangays in San Luis town and 10 in Maria Aurora were declared cleared of communist insurgency influence through the sustained Community Support Program (CSP) and Retooled Community Support Program by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The declaration came through a resolution of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and was signed by Acting Governor Reynante Tolentino and members of the PPOC at the capitol compound in Barangay Suklayin here on Wednesday.

It was affirmed by Assistant Commander Brig. Gen. Dennis Pacis of the Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) who represented Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, DILG Regional Director Anthony C. Nuyda, and Provincial Board Member Dan Boyet Ong.

Tolentino said the provincial government of Aurora has always wanted and worked to have a stable peace and order situation in the whole province and thanked the 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) under the 7ID, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other concerned agencies for attaining it.

Pacis, reading the message of Costelo, said the declaration is the result of relentless efforts of the 91IB, PNP, devoted government agencies, non-government organizations, private sectors, and the local communities in Aurora.

“As one united, we have played our role as stewards of peace putting an end to the local communist armed conflict and paving the way for development in our beloved province,” he said.

“As we celebrate this achievement, let us commit ourselves to the principles of peace, unity, tranquility, and progress,” Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, commander of 91IB, said.

In his message, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Central Luzon (NICA-3) Director Niňo Anthony E. Balagtas said the declaration is a testament to the collective efforts of the government, law enforcement agencies, and most importantly, the resilience and cooperation of the people.

“This declaration is not just a formality but a recognition of the hard work and sacrifices made by countless individuals to ensure the safety and well-being of the province. It is a tribute to our brave men and women in uniform and other government partner agencies who have dedicated their lives protecting community and upholding the rule of law,” he said.

He cited that the focused military operations under the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support have effectively dismantled the Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) communist terrrorist group (CTG) in 2021.

Moreover, since 2018, the collective efforts of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Aurora through various clusters have yielded remarkable results in their pursuit of peace and security.

"Through intelligence gathering, we have facilitated surrenders and disaffiliations of leaders and members of the CTG, paving the way for local peace engagements and community consultations," Balagtas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220741