links: http://www.army.mil.ph/pr/2014/nov/241114.html
AFP: Catanduanes now “Conflict Manageable and Ready for further Development” Province
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili,
Camarines Sur – The Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Army’s
9th Infantry “Spear” Division signed a joint Memorandum of Agreement
declaring the province of Catanduanes as “Conflict Manageable and Ready
for further Development”, on Monday, November 24, in the Provincial
Capitol of Virac, Catanduanes.
The joint Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
between the AFP and the Provincial Government was signed by Major
General Yerson E Depayso, Commander, 9th Infantry (Spear) Division,
Philippine Army, and Governor Araceli B. Wong of Catanduanes. Witnesses
during the signing of the MOA were AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio
Pio P Catapang Jr.; AFP Southern Luzon Commander Major General Ricardo R
Visaya; Hon. Cesar V Sarmiento, Congressman of the Lone District of
Catanduanes; Bishop Manolo A delos Santos of the Diocese of Virac;
Police Provincial Director PSSupt Adelio Benjamin G Castillo; and Vice
Governor Jose J Teves Jr. It can be recalled that in 1980s, the province
of Catanduanes is known to be a quiet place, a model of development
with its religious communities, and safe from bad elements. In 1990s,
armed rebels have influence more than 100 villages in the province.
Lieutenant Colonel Bernardo Fortez, the
Battalion Commander of 83IB,9ID, PA, stated that the insurgents'
strength have been reduced to 27 with 14 firearms and cleared all 100
affected barangays from enemy influence as of 2nd Qtr this year.
“The heightened Internal Peace and
Security operations and peace and development programs of the government
with the support of the stakeholders resulted to the decrease in the
number of members and weapons of the rebel group.” he added.
A Joint Task Force headed by Governor
Wong will be created for the formulation of necessary implementing rules
and regulations of the agreement, especially in the promotion of peace
and progress, with the cooperation of the AFP and PNP, and in
partnership with the local government of Catanduanes.
In agreement, the lead role in
maintaining internal peace and security will be upon the Catanduanes
Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC). The provincial government of
Catanduanes, along with its component units, and other stakeholders have
significantly contributed to the internal peace and security operations
(IPSO) of the AFP units by way of formulating and implementing
socio-economic development programs, addressing the prevailing issues
exploited by the CNN.
It is a manifestation that the people of Catanduanes genuinely aspire to move their province towards development.
Major General Yerson Depayso, 9ID
Commander, ensures that the Army in Bicol Region is committed in
accomplishing its mission in establishing peaceful and secured
environment conducive to sustainable economic development. He added
that, “The AFP, together with the PNP, the local government, and the
peace-loving people of Catanduanes will continue to work together in the
spirit of “Bayanihan” to preserve and further enhance the peace and
security situation in order to sustain the socio-economic progress of
the province.
Catbalogan City –
Government troops seized several Improvised Explosive Devices in the
hinterlands of the Municipality of Basey, Samar in the afternoon of
November 19, 2014.
According to the report of Lt Col Miguel
E. Ceballos, Commanding Officer, 20th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry
Division, Philippine Army, his troops were conducting security
operations in the vicinity of Sitio, Bega, Barangay Mabini, Basey Samar
when some residents tipped-off the presence of suspicious wires laid
along the trail in the outskirt of the said barangay. According to the
residents, they believe that these wires are part of several IEDs
planted intentionally to inflict casualties to government troops
operating in the area. Further, the civilians' safety is threatened as
these will also destroy innocent lives and properties.
Guided by concerned residents in the
locality, the soldiers went to the said area and were able to recover
twenty (20) sets of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). As of this
time, government troops continue to scour the area for possible presence
of more IEDs in the area.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Velarmino, Commander
of the 8th Infantry Division extended his gratitude and thanks to the
civilians who provided the information to that led to the successful
recovery of said explosives. He further added that the action of the NPA
is a clear manifestation that they violate the provisions stipulated
under the Geneva Convention on the use of land mines in armed warfare.
Velarmino further added that the 8ID under his leadership will stop at
nothing in order to attain Peace and Development in Region VIII which is
the dream of every Samareños in the region.
PHILIPPINE ARMY
AFP Websites
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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