Military officials issue statements on insurgency issues in EV

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 4): Military officials issue statements on insurgency issues in EV

Two top officials of the Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas released statements on the state of the insurgency situation in the region. Col. Rafael Valencia, commanding officer of the 802nd Brigade, PA, said that the provinces of Biliran, Leyte, and southern Leyte are now clear of insurgency while admitting that the military has still to work on making Samar Island, composed of Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar provinces, completely rid of insurgency. The military officer said that the military way of attaining the goal of peace is not through armed warfare with the rebels but involves the help of stakeholders namely the local government units (LGUs), community, and the non-government organizations through dialogues and other effective approaches. He said that explaining the good purpose and programs of government is the most successful and effective approach towards reaching the aim of peace with the rebels.

Meanwhile, Col. Rolando Malinao, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade covering Northern Samar province, some parts of Samar and Masbate areas, affirmed the military’s readiness to defend Northern Samar’s Congressman Raul Daza and Governor Paul Daza amid the series of threats the two officials have been getting from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas. The military officer said the Army has a mandate to protect all citizens in their areas of responsibility since it is their constitutional rights to be provided equal protection by the military regardless of status or political leanings.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1151354528386