AgSur LGUs, Army recommend 11 villages as insurgency-free

AGSUR LGUS, ARMY RECOMMEND 11 VILLAGES

AS INSURGENCY-FREE By 1Lt. Percival Carido A total of 11 barangays on October 16, 2020. passed the parameters from the municipalities After a thorough set by Joint Letter of Esperanza and San analysis and spontaneous Directive (JLD) Number 3, Luis of this province have contribution of ideas revised version, series of been recommended from the local chief 2020, to be declared as by the Army’s 26th executive, punong insurgency-free. Infantry Battalion (26IB), barangays, Philippine Based on CSP Philippine Army and the National Police, 26IB, teams, these former CNT local government units, and other concerned influenced barangays free from the Communist agencies, Association of are Sinakungan, Salug, New People’s Army Caraga Executives (ACE) Nato, Balobo, Guibonon, Terrorist (CNT) affectation Chairperson Col. Cerilo Oro, Segunda, during the conduct of O. Balaoro Jr., deputy Maliwanag, Remedios Community Support brigade commander of and Kinamaybay of Program (CSP) Area 402nd Infantry Brigade, municipality of Esperanza; Clearing Evaluation (ACE) said these barangays and Barangay Coalicion

of San Luis. in every barangay which The 11 barangays means even the delivery that passed the of basic services by the evaluation will now local government will not undergo validation to be hampered, which is be conducted by the the main struggle if there Area Clearing Validation is a presence of CNTs,” Board (ACVB), to finalize Col. Balaoro said, as he if the said barangays explained the reasons on have sustained the clearing the barangays. parameters set as totally As per JLD No. free from CNT affectation 3, a barangay will prior endorsement to only be declared as National Task Force to insurgency-free when the End Local Communist parameters are met such Armed Conflict (NTF- as the dismantling of ELCAC), to be set as CPP-NPA politico-military priority barangays for structure; the denial development in 2021 and of CPP-NPA access to on succeeding years. the area, resources, “This clearing and manpower; and evaluation from CNT the establishment of a affectation is very functioning barangay important because this information network and will pave the way for the integrated community entry of development and public safety system, economic opportunities 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, interagency efforts are deemed necessary to address the issues and concerns being used as deceptive propaganda by the NPAs,” added Manpatilan. (CMO, 26IB/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)