MACALELON, Quezon – This town is now ‘insurgency-free’ following a joint military and government declaration and signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, Dec. 13.
The MOU was signed by the AFP's 85th Infantry Battalion Lt. Col. Joel Jonson, Quezon Philippine National Police led by Col. Ledon Monte, and Local Government Unit Mayor Artemio Mamburao at Macalelon Municipal Covered Court.
Macalelon became the first town to be declared insurgency-free in Quezon province.

Since 2021, the barangays and organizations in the said town are cleared from communist and terrorist influence, where its political and military structures have been dismantled and redirected/reoriented and have ceased to function.
Recorded zero incidents of terrorist activities for more than a year, giving the municipality of Macalelon a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status based on the AFP parameters, according to Jonson.
The declaration also means that the LGU activities have reached the sustainment and development phase ready for investment and development projects.
The declaration is the most challenging task as the LGU together with all concerned government agencies would play a big role in the ‘sustainment and prevention of the Communist Party of the Philippines from recruiting and regrouping.’
The obligations of both parties are stated in the MOA, including the utilization of all available resources to ensure the success and continuous support in the implementation of socio-economic programs on the part of the LGU and the conduct of activities designed to enhance law enforcement operations and prevent the resurgence of the New People's Army (NPA) in Macalelon on the part of the government security forces.
Insurgency-free status is the result of the concerted efforts of the community against violence and terrorism and a significant milestone as it marked the collective victory of the government together with various sectors that work together toward attaining peace and security in this town, according to Jonson.
"The road to Insurgency-Free province is on our way as Macalelon is the first to be declared as Insurgency-Free municipality, while Gumaca and Guinyangan will be the next to be declared by January", Jonson added.