Leyte’s First Congressional District Declared Insurgency-Free
PALO, Leyte — The Philippine Army has officially declared all seven municipalities in Leyte’s first congressional district insurgency-free. This milestone was marked after each town passed resolutions affirming their new status. The exact four-word keyphrase, Leyte’s first congressional district, highlights this significant achievement in local peace efforts.
The declaration ceremony took place on June 20 at the Palo town gymnasium. The municipalities included are Palo, Babatngon, Tanauan, San Miguel, Tolosa, Santa Fe, and Alangalang. These towns now hold the Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPC) status, signaling a promising future free from insurgency threats.
Strong Message Against Insurgency
House Speaker Martin Romualdez represents this district, which also encompasses Tacloban City. Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, emphasized that this declaration sends a clear message rejecting the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and its supporters.
“While there is no longer an active presence of the communist group in Leyte’s first district, this declaration is symbolic. It sends a strong signal that the people no longer want them here,” Vestuir said in an interview with local sources.
He noted that the district has been free from NPA activities for several years, except for some areas in Santa Fe that were identified as “white areas”—zones where civilian sympathizers and potential recruits operate through front organizations.
First Entire District Declared Insurgency-Free
This marks the first time an entire congressional district in the region has been collectively declared insurgency-free. Plans are underway to declare Tacloban City similarly free of insurgency, further strengthening the region’s peace status.
Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, who also leads the Leyte chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, highlighted the unity among local leaders and citizens in reaching this milestone.
“This is a significant milestone because it speaks about peace, security, and the pursuit of a better life for our communities. We are committed to sustaining this achievement and working toward lasting peace,” Petilla said, reflecting local leaders’ optimism.
She also expressed hope that the entire province of Leyte will soon be declared free from insurgency, building on the progress already made.
Criteria for Insurgency-Free Status
To date, 61 municipalities under the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s jurisdiction have achieved insurgency-free status. Local governments earn this status by meeting specific conditions. These include no NPA-initiated violence for at least one year, clearing active NPA mass supporters, and establishing stable peace and order.
This declaration aligns with the military’s campaign under the government’s whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict. It reflects the combined efforts of the military, local government units, and communities determined to secure peace and progress.
For more news and updates on Leyte’s first congressional district, visit Filipinokami.com.