ORMOC CITY, LEYTE – The Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Bontoc inSouthern Leyte has declared the entire municipality as having attained a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Monday, May 6, 2024.

The declaration was done through the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) Resolution No. 2 and Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 101 which signaled the readiness of the municipality to take the lead in sustaining the gains of the government.

“The declaration manifests the real peace enjoyed by the populace of Bontoc as a result of collaborative efforts of the local government units, line government agencies, law enforcement agencies, various sectors, and the populace in maintaining peaceful and orderly communities,” the 802nd Infantry Brigade said in a press statement. 

Highlight of the declaration was the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Pledge of Commitment, and the simultaneous release of white doves. 

In his speech, MTF-ELCAC chairperson and Bontoc Mayor Noel Alinsub expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who helped in attaining a stable peace and security status in the municipality. 

“The positive impact of this success will be the progress and development of our municipality and the welfare of our constituents,” Alinsub said. 

Alinsub urged everybody  to continue working together in maintaining peace and security in Bontoc. 

“The local government of Bontoc, together with the police and military, other government agencies, offices and various sectors of the society, should continue to work together to keep the town peaceful and safe,”he said

Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gabia, 14IB commanding officer, also expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in attaining a peaceful and secured status in the municipality. .  

“We are thankful to all our partners, line government agencies, law enforcement agencies, various stakeholders and the populace and the whole communities of Bontoc for the collective efforts in helping and supporting us in addressing and resolving the local insurgency problem in the area. Finally, we met our common goal of attaining peace in the municipality of Bontoc,” Gabia said. 

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, 802nd IB commander, praised the municipality of Bontoc for its commitment and collective stand to maintain a safe environment for its residents, and prevent the resurgence and recovery efforts of the CPP-NPA-NDF. 

He emphasized the cooperation and efforts of the local government unit and the community in achieving a  stable internal peace and security status.

“With our declaration of Bontoc as a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition, we have delivered a strong message that indeed we are united in our quest to end the local communist armed conflict as well as in maintaining a peaceful and secured environment being enjoyed now by the peace-loving people of Bontoc,”Vestuir noted..  

The activity was held at Bontoc Municipal Gymnasium and was also graced by Shiela M. Javier, representing the provincial director of DILG Southern Leyte; Police Lieutenant Colonel Jay Balderian, representing the provincial director of Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office; Sangguniang Bayan members; municipal department heads, staff and employees; and the barangay officials of the 40 barangays in Bontoc. (MMP with reports from 802nd IB).