Surigao del Norte declared insurgency-free

From GMA Regional TV (Mar 18, 2024): Surigao del Norte declared insurgency-free (By Alwen Saliring)


Photo courtesy: 4ID

Surigao del Norte has been declared insurgency-free.

According to the military, Surigao del Norte Governor Lyndon Barbers made the announcement during the “Declaration and Pronouncement of Surigao del Norte as an insurgency-free province Activity” held at the Provincial Gymnasium in Surigao City on March 15, 2024.

This after the province reportedly became 'conflict-manageable and ready for development.'

The military said the declaration marked a significant step for the province to move forward after establishing peace and stability and paving the way for further growth and development.

“The clearing of insurgents in the said province was due to the massive and successive surrender of the communist terrorist group (CTG) high-ranking leaders,” the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said in a statement.

Part of the March 15 activity were the unveiling of peace marker, signing of commitment for peace, and taking of oath of former rebels in support to the government.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro were invited as guest speaker and keynote speaker, respectively.

Other military, police, and government officials including town mayors of the province and former rebels, also attended the activity.

The former rebels present received financial and livelihood assistance amounting to P65,000 under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Each of them also received P10,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and another P5,000 from the Office of the Provincial Governor.

They also received hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and vitamins from the Department of Health-Caraga (DOH-13).

The military said all assistance given to the former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) will be useful as they turn over a new leaf and rebuild their lives.

4ID Commander, Major General Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, said that ‘the division under his leadership is always committed in addressing insurgency threats and ensuring the safety and security of the province.’

https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/100971/surigao-del-norte-declared-insurgencyfree/story/