Guimaras cleared of NPA rebels

From the Business Mirror (Oct 29): Guimaras cleared of NPA rebels

THE Army’s Third Infantry “Spearhead” Division (3ID) turned over on Wednesday the responsibility over the internal peace and security efforts in Guimaras to the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) after driving New People’s Army rebels out of the island-province.

Col. Eric Uchida, 301st Infantry Brigade commander handed over the responsibility to the provincial government during the signing of a joint memorandum of agreement (MOA) held in Jordan, Guimaras.

The MOA was signed by Gov. Samuel Guarin, who is also the chairman of the PPOC; Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, Western Visayas police commander and Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, 3ID commander.

“Guimaras province was declared a [communist] insurgency-free province six years ago and the peace and security situation continue to improve as manifested by the absence of violent incidents attributed to the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA [New People’s Army]. It further boosted the socioeconomic, agro-industrial and infrastructure development activities in the province,” Uchida said.

Guimaras was declared as insurgency-free province in 2008 through a joint resolution signed by the government, the 3ID and the Western Visayas police command.

Through Provincial Resolution 2, the Guimaras PPOC unanimously accepted the responsibility over the peace and security efforts in the province.

As such, it will take the lead role in maintaining internal peace and security.

The declaration of Guimaras as insurgency-free in 2008 has paved the way for the entry of investors and boosted the healthy tourism atmosphere in the province that, likewise, contributed to the regional stability in Western Visayas.

Guerrero assured they will work with officials in Western Visayas in pursuit of a peaceful and secure environment conducive to sustainable regional economic development.

“Let us continue to foster Bayanihan and collaborate in our efforts to end the insurgency for peace and development to thrive in the region,” Guerrero said.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/guimaras-cleared-of-npa-rebels/