SURIGAO CITY – Surigao del Norte has been declared insurgency-free after the massive and successive surrender of high-ranking New People’s Army leaders in the province at the provincial gymnasium here on Friday, March 15.
Gov. Lyndon Barbers said that the province has become conflict-manageable and ready for development. “Our province is now free, and thus paving the way for more growth and economic development,” declared the provincial chief executive.
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos is welcomed by the Army 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division led by Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo with Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert S. Barbers (second from left), during the declaration of Surigao del Norte as an insurgency-free province in Northeastern Mindanao on Friday, March 15. (Photo via Mike U. Crismundo)
A peace marker was unveiled during the event and the rebel returnees signed the commitment for peace and took an oath of allegiance to the government.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who was among the guests, commended the efforts of soldiers who are always risking their lives to protect the community from terrorist attacks.
The event was also attended by Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, keynote speaker; Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol, 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (ID) commanding general Major Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr., Police Regional Office-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft, 4th ID Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. George Banzon;
901st Brigade Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Arsenio DC Sadural, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, 401st Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo, 30th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Jerold H. Jale, Surigao del Norte mayors, other government officials, and private sector leaders.
Abalos said that about 600 local government units cleared of insurgency will be gathered to share their best practices in the implementation of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP).
Teodoro discussed security concerns, territorial defense, and anti-insurgency efforts in his remarks.
Cuerpo said that they are always committed in addressing insurgency threats and ensuring the safety and security of the province. “Your 4th ID continues to work diligently to combat insurgency and promote peace and development in its area of responsibility,” he said.
Rebel returnees received a check for P65,000 from the Department of Interior and Local Government under its Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) as immediate financial and livelihood assistance.
They also received hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and vitamins from the Department of Health (DOH)-Caraga, P10,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and another P5,000 from Gov. Barbers.
These financial assistance seek to provide a fresh start and a chance for the rebel returnees to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.