Biliran declared insurgency-free

THE province of Biliran was declared insurgency-free yesterday, joining dozens of other areas that had been cleared of the decades-old New People’s Army (NPA) problem.

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict executive director Ernesto Torres led the declaration of Biliran as insurgency-free at the Fragoch Ballroom Hall in Naval, Biliran.

The ceremony was hosted by local government and military officials, including Gov. Gerard Roger Espina and Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, the commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division.

“The province’s successful transition to a peaceful and secure environment is attributed to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, local government units, and community stakeholders,” said Torres.

The NTF-ELCAC said the “significant achievement signifies a step towards lasting peace and development in the province.”

Since the creation of the task force in 2018, the regions of Ilocos, Zamboanga Peninsula and Davao have been cleared of insurgency, along with 24 provinces (including Biliran) and eight cities.

Torres said Biliran’s current status as a “stable internal peace and security environment can be attributed to the government’s whole-of-nation approach in the fight against the communists.

He commended the Armed Forces, the PNP and other stakeholders for performing a “crucial role” in the efforts “to end local communist armed conflict in their respective areas.”

The NTF-ELCAC also thanked House Speaker Martin Romualdez for expressing the House’s support for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) which the task force said is vital in the fight against insurgency.

“This is a crucial step in our shared goal of building a lasting peace,” said Torres.

“Speaker Romualdez’s commitment to funding and implementing critical barangay development projects is key to transforming these former insurgent strongholds into vibrant, thriving communities,” added Torres.

The BDP program calls for the implementation of vital projects, including farm-to-market roads and school buildings, in areas formerly affected by insurgency.

Through these projects, the government hopes to address the root causes of insurgency, thereby preventing