Kalinaw News: Batangas is now “Insurgency Free”, Awaits More Opportunities for the People

From Kalinaw News (Mar 10, 2021): Batangas is now “Insurgency Free”, Awaits More Opportunities for the People



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Batangas hailed as the third province of CALABARZON to be declared as an area with Stable Internal Peace and Security or SIPS after the ceremonial signing of documents held at the Provincial Capitol on March 10, Wednesday.

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Gov Hermilando I Mandanas and MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander of 2ID which has operational jurisdiction over CALABARZON, during the Provincial Peace and Order Council, attended by the mayors and government agencies as well as military and police commanders operating in the province.

Batangas successfully met the parameters set under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ phases of normalization, specifically on the absence of recorded NPA violent activities for at least one year.

Gov Mandanas thanked the different agencies, soldiers, and police who remain committed to its mandate in helping the province in assuring peace, prosperity, and development.

He added that, development will always rely on the attainment of peace as a result of the national and local government’s concerted effort which shows a true zeal of leadership and compassion to its people.

The ceremony also highlights the presentation of surrendered firearms and distribution of food packs to seven former rebels who were earlier granted monetary support amounting to Php 455,000 as well as medical services among other benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

MGen Almerol lauded the province of Batangas, soldiers, and police for the seamless relationship in fulfilling the silent prayers and aspirations of our people for a peaceful and prosperous life away from the horrors of terrorism.

“The government’s desire to end insurgency through the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or PTF-ELCAC of Batangas made the impossible, possible for the people we have sworn to serve.”

He ended his statement by confidently expressing that Batangas will now be able to further enhance the commercial viability, tourism, and other development opportunities that will benefit the people.

Batangas became the fifth province in the 2ID area of responsibility to be declared as SIPS following Cavite on Dec 4, 2018, Romblon on Feb 21, 2019, Marinduque on Mar 25, 2019, and Laguna on September 26, 2019.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/batangas-is-now-insurgency-free-awaits-more-opportunities-for-the-people/