CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - - Eight towns in the province of Isabela which were previously used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as mass bases were declared as insurgency-free.

These towns, which are situated close to each other, include Jones, Echague, San Guillermo, San Mariano, San Agustin, Angadanan, Benito Soliven and the City of Ilagan.

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) composed of representatives from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police have affirmed and declared the insurgency-free status of the said towns and one city having no recorded presence and activities of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the eastern part of the province since last year and in the 1st quarter of 2024.

Col. Davice Christopher Mercado, deputy commander of the 502nd Infantry Brigade, said the military and police have been monitoring the situation in the said areas since the implementation of Executive Order No. 70.

Mercado said the programs, projects and services provided under E.O 70 have benefited thousands of residents particularly communities that were once infested by the CPP-NPA-NDF and contributed to the government’s efforts in dismantling CTG’s bases and operations in affected regions.

San Mariano Councilor Susan Duca said the re-affirmation of her town as insurgency-free benefits the young generation as they can participate more freely in social and community activities.

“Living in a peaceful environment  does not only foster a sense of belonging but it creates a conducive environment for the holistic development of the young generation, empowering them to realize their full potential and contribute positively to society,” Duca said as she also thanked the military, the police, barangay officials and the people of the town for their sincere cooperation in making the town peaceful and orderly.

Ilagan City Mayor Josemarie L. Diaz said the declaration of the city as insurgency-free is part of the long process before it attained its status as the first city in the region as free from communist insurgency.

“We are gearing for a livable, peaceful and progressive place to live in,” Diaz said, calling on Ilagueños to sustain the insurgency-free status as it offers numerous opportunities for the young generation to fulfill their potential and contribute to the nation's development.

Local leaders of the other declared towns also recognized the government’s efforts in addressing the root causes of insurgency through peace-building initiatives such as peace talks, negotiations, and reconciliation processes with NPA members and other stakeholders to achieve lasting peace. (ALM/MGE / PIA Isabela)