BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) -- The Nueva Vizcaya provincial board has approved a resolution commending several government agencies that enabled the province to achieve “insurgency-free” status.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2024-4888 specified the significant and notable programs, projects, and activities that played vital roles in the surrender of members of communist terrorist groups operating in the province. 

The local legislators also recognized the full cooperation of Novo Vizcayanos and agency partners, especially the officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police who were considered key players in the realization of stable internal peace and security in the province.

The board members said the AFP, PNP, and the people of Nueva Vizcaya have greatly contributed to the realization of the province's quest for lasting peace and security through the active and aggressive efforts and actions of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

The provincial board also said that at the height of the insurgency problem in the province, the communist terrorist group had frequented the tri-boundaries of Quirino-Aurora-Nueva Vizcaya and Ifugao-Benguet–Nueva Vizcaya areas.

The underground movement and mass organizing of their legal front were concentrated in the towns of Bambang, Solano, and Malabing in Kasibu and Bayombong towns where prevalent issues were used for their propaganda activities to agitate the masses into joining their movement. 

The town of Bayombong, the university belt of the province serves as the recruitment area and source of their cadres, according to the law enforcers. 

Gov. Jose Gambito said the programs include various localized peace engagements, comprehensive local integration programs, infrastructure developments, livelihood programs, and other poverty alleviation programs poured in the infiltrated areas. 

“The challenge for us is to sustain the stability of our peace and order and internal security in our province. Let us all be vigilant and do our part for the maintenance of peace and order into our respective communities,” Gambito said.  

Meanwhile, the officers and members of the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Employees Association have also manifested their support to the national government’s Executive Order No. 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“This is our expression of support to the EO 70 which mandates government offices, bureaus, and departments to render assistance and participate in various peace-building programs, plans, and activities for the implementation of the national peace framework,”

Jolinda Cambas, NVPEA President said.

The NVPEA’s resolution condemns any attempt, insinuations, and activities by any communist-terrorist groups and its legal fronts to infiltrate their ranks and disturb the peace and order situation of the province. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)