NegOr to be declared ‘conflict-manageable’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 5): NegOr to be declared ‘conflict-manageable’

Negros Oriental will be declared as “Conflict-Manageable and Development Ready Province" at the Perdices Memorial Coliseum in Dumaguete City on May 7, a government press release said.

Col. Cristopher Estella, 302nd Infantry Brigade deputy commander, said the forces of the New Peoples’ Army continue to dwindle because of the Oplan Bayanihan and military combat operations.

He said the military has reduced the level of the enemy’s capabilities to threaten the stability of the government, and it should now be up to civil authorities to ensure the safety and well-being ofNegrenses.

He added that, based on military parameters, the NPA support system has been greatly reduced in the hinterland barangays, and the residents themselves are the ones informing the military of the presence of unidentified armed men in their areas.

Expected to sign the joint declaration are Gov. Roel Degamo, Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino, director of the Police Regional Office-7.

Estella said more bayanihan team and combat focus operations will be conducted by the Army in Negros Oriental.

He added that the Army will intensify its efforts to collaborate with the local government units, government and non-government organizations,and the communities in pursuit of the goal of the province to become insurgent-free, the press release added.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/April/15/negor3.htm