ORMOC CITY, Leyte – In celebration of Philippine Independence Day on Wednesday, three towns in Leyte have formally declared their localities free from the threat of the insurgents.
On June 12, the towns of Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida in the Province of Leyte announced that they are now in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), marking a critical turning point in their ongoing efforts to uphold peace and security.
Isabel and Merida were cleared of NPA influence in 2016, followed by Hilongos in 2019. Since then, these municipalities have maintained a conflict-manageable status.
The declaration ceremony was attended by key provincial and local officials, including Municipal Mayors and Chairs of their respective Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC): Hon. Manuel R. Villahermosa of Hilongos, Hon. Edgardo Cordeño of Isabel, and Hon. Rolando M. Villasencio of Merida. Ms. Annabelle V. De Asis, Provincial Local Government Operations Officer of Leyte, was present in Isabel and represented by respective MLGOOs in Hilongos and Merida. Hon. Carlos P. Loreto, Board Member of Leyte Province, represented the Provincial Governor in Hilongos.
Senior military and police officials were also in attendance to lend their support, including Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Edgar A. Gabia, Commanding Officer of the 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion; and Police Lieutenant Colonel Margarito Salańo, representing the Provincial Director of the Leyte Provincial Police Office in Hilongos.
Meanwhile, Colonel Rico O. Amaro, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, attended the ceremonies in Isabel along with Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Saclot, Commanding Officer of the 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Reli, representing the Leyte Provincial Police Office in Isabel and Merida. Brigadier General Vestuir joined the declaration in Merida in the afternoon.
The SIPSC declaration highlights included the signing of Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) and Pledges of Commitment, as well as the release of white doves symbolizing peace and new beginnings.
The municipal mayors expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to achieving SIPSC in their municipalities. They emphasized that this milestone paves the way for further progress and an enhanced quality of life for their constituents. The Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed their strong support and commitment to sustaining peace and security in Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida.
Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir commended all stakeholders in Leyte for their commitment to maintaining a safe environment. “With the declaration of Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida as having Stable Internal Peace and Security Conditions, we send a strong message of unity in our quest to end local communist armed conflict and maintain a peaceful and secure environment for the peace-loving people of these towns,” Vestuir said.
Vestuir emphasized that achieving SIPSC is a result of the cooperation and efforts of local government entities and their communities. He urged local leaders, particularly Barangay Captains, to continue and sustain these efforts. “Let us be inhospitable to the remnants of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its allies and never again allow them to gain a foothold in our communities,” Vestuir added.
“The declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition in Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida on this day of Philippine Independence is a victory of freedom from the deceptive ideas of the New People’s Army and showcases Leyteños’ dedication to peace and security. This signifies a major advancement in their continued efforts to protect their communities,” Vestuir concluded.
Before the declaration, the municipalities participated in a nationwide simultaneous flag-raising ceremony in connection with the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration, themed “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History)”
(Ricky Bautista with additional reporting and photos from 802IB)
