AgSur LGUs, Army recommend 11 villages as insurgency-free

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 21, 2020): AgSur LGUs, Army recommend 11 villages as insurgency-free (By 26th Infantry Battalion) 

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 20 -- A total of 11 barangays from the municipalities of Esperanza and San Luis of this province have been recommended by the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army and the local government units, free from the Communist New People's Army Terrorist (CNT) affectation during the conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) Area Clearing Evaluation (ACE) on October 16, 2020.

After a thorough analysis and spontaneous contribution of ideas from the local chief executive, punong barangays, Philippine National Police, 26IB, and other concerned agencies, Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) Chairperson Col. Cerilo O. Balaoro Jr., deputy brigade commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, said these barangays passed the parameters set by Joint Letter Directive (JLD) Number 3, revised version, series of 2020, to be declared as insurgency-free.

Based on CSP teams, these former CNT influenced barangays are Sinakungan, Salug, Nato, Balobo, Guibonon, Oro, Segunda, Maliwanag, Remedios and Kinamaybay of municipality of Esperanza; and Barangay Coalicion of San Luis.

The 11 barangays that passed the evaluation will now undergo validation to be conducted by the Area Clearing Validation Board (ACVB), to finalize if the said barangays have sustained the parameters set as totally free from CNT affectation prior endorsement to National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF- ELCAC), to be set as priority barangays for development in 2021 and on succeeding years.

"This clearing evaluation from CNT affectation is very important because this will pave the way for the entry of development and economic opportunities in every barangay which means even the delivery of basic services by the local government will not be hampered, which is the main struggle if there is a presence of CNTs," Col. Balaoro said, as he explained the reasons on clearing the barangays.

As per JLD No. 3, a barangay will only be declared as insurgency-free when the parameters are met such as the dismantling of CPP-NPA politico-military structure; the denial of CPP-NPA access to the area, resources, and manpower; and the establishment of a functioning barangay information network and integrated community public safety system, among others.

Relatively, Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan of Esperanza commended the firm affirmation and perspective of the punong barangays in fighting insurgents in their area. "As your local chief executive at the same time your mother here in Esperanza, it hurts me seeing my constituents struggling from fear and discomfort because of the NPA's presence in your area. Hopefully, you and your people will sustain and continue to refute these lawless elements in order for the local and national government to freely pursue and pour all the necessary infrastructures and economic programs, projects in your areas without being hampered by the NPAs," she said.

"We have to unite and work hand in hand in order to defeat these NPAs. As per mandate to us by EO70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, inter-agency efforts are deemed necessary to address the issues and concerns being used as deceptive propaganda by the NPAs," added Manpatilan. (1Lt. Percival Carido, CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056344