BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the Caraga region has declared the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands as insurgency-free, the Police Regional Office-13 said.
ABRAHANO (FB)
“Yes, Surigao del Norte and Province of Dinagat Islands are now declared insurgency-free provinces in the Caraga region,” Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano, PRO-13 chief, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas led by the RTF-ELCAC and organized by the Presidential Communication Office through the Philippine Information Agency-13 here on Tuesday, March 18.
“I commend the incredible teamwork of our local leaders, security forces, and communities in making Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands insurgency-free…and this is a proof that when we stand together, real change happens, especially in our pursuit of peace and order,” Abrahano, who served as one of the resource speakers with Department of Budget and Management Director Maria Fe D. Jagna with PIA-13 Director Venus L. Garcia as host, added.
Abrahano said they will continue to work with local government units, other law enforcement agencies, and other partners as they intensify their campaign against the remaining members of the New People’s Army.
“We also continue to call on the remaining CTG members to surrender and the PNP will help them in their return to the mainstream society with their families."
The forum highlighted the significant accomplishments of the clusters involved in the continued implementation of Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.
The PRO-13 highlighted their best practices and success stories, including the substantial gains of the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) program and counter-insurgency drive.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our concerned line agencies of the government, our media partners, and everyone who took part in our peace and development program,” Abrahano said.
“The fight against insurgency is not solely the responsibility of the police but a collective effort of the entire community,” Abrahano said. “That is why we must continue working together in implementing the programs of RTF-ELCAC and realizing our vision of a truly insurgency-free Caraga.”