by Miriam G. Desacada
Tacloban City–Coinciding with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day on Wednesday (June 12), three towns in Leyte formally declared themselves free from the threats of the communist terrorist movement (CTM).
Local government officials of the towns of Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida—all in Leyte province—announced that their towns are already in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), which means that they already attained peace and freedom from communist terrorists’ groups (CTGs).
Isabel and Merida were cleared of CTG influence in 2016. Hilongos followed them in 2019. These towns had achieved and maintained a conflict-manageable status, since then.
The declaration ceremonies were held simultaneously in three venues, Isabel, Hilongos, and Merida towns, attended by top provincial and local officials, and task force officials for ELCAC.
At the rites held in Isabel, Mayors Edgardo Cordeño of Isabel, Manuel Villahermosa of Hilongos, and Rol/ando Villasencio of Merida spearheaded the event with Provincial Local Government Operations (PLGO) officer Annabelle de Asis, the Municipal (LGO) officers of Hilongos and Merida, and Colonel Rico Amaro, deputy commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802 IBde).
From Isabel, Amaro proceeded to Merida in the afternoon, along with Lieutenant Col. Charlie Saclot, commander of the 93rd Infantry Battalion (93 IB), and Police/Colonel Ricky Reli of the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO).
In Hilongos, Vice Governor Carlos Loreto of Leyte led the ceremony, which was also attended by Lt. Col. Edgar Gabia, commander of the 14th Infantry Battalion (14IB), Police/Lt. Col. Margarito Salaño of the LPPO, and Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802 IBde, who later proceeded to Merida in the afternoon.
Vestuir commended all stakeholders in Leyte province and in the three towns for their commitment in upholding a safe environment.
He said, “With the declaration of Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida as SIPSC towns, we send a strong message of unity in our quest to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) and maintain a peaceful and secure environment for the peace-loving people of these towns.”
Vestuir said “the SIPSC declaration in the three towns in Leyte on Philippine Independence Day is a victory of freedom from the deceptive ideas of the NPA, as well as the Leyteños’ dedication to peace and security. This is a major advancement in their continued efforts to protect their communities.”
The town mayors thanked all stakeholders who contributed in the efforts to achieve SIPSC in their towns. They said this milestone paves the way for further progress and an enhanced quality of life for their constituents.
Vestuir said that the achievement of SIPSC “is a result of the cooperation and efforts of LGUs and their respective communities,” as he urged barangay leaders to continue and sustain these efforts.
“Let us be inhospitable to the remnants of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its allies and never again we allow them to gain foothold in our communities,” Vestuir added.
Among the highlights before the SIPSC declaration was the town’s participation in the nationwide simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies, in connection with the country’s 126th Independence Day celebration. Then there was the signing of the memoranda of agreement (MOAs) and Pledges of Commitment, followed by the release of white doves that symbolized peace and new beginnings. —-Miriam G. Desacada