TWO more municipalities in Quezon province were declared Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) after successfully meeting the criteria established under the phases of normalization per Revised Joint Implementing Rules and Regulations to Executive Order 546 Series of 2006, specifically the absence of recorded NPA violent activities for at least one year.
The program also involves the redeclaration of CPP-NPA-NDF as Persona Non Grata in both municipalities as well as the signing of the Pledge of Commitment of all stakeholders particularly the local officials from the municipal level, including the different Barangay Chairmen and SK Presidents.
The activity was successfully conducted thru the collaborative and consultative efforts of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of General Nakar and Infanta chaired by Hon. Eliseo R. Ruzol Sr. and Hon. Filipina Grace R. America, respectively, and in partnership with the 202nd Infantry (Unifier) Brigade through the 1st Infantry Battalion.
Both MTF-ELCAC chiefs expressed gratitude to the different stakeholders and the citizenry who in one way or the other, individually or collectively exerted efforts that made the occasions successful and meaningful. They also thank the AFP and PNP for continued security and law enforcement operations towards the attainment of lasting peace and prosperity.
The Local Chief Executives also emphasized the value of the concerted actions of all stakeholders who demonstrated their dedication and commitment to assigned task to ensure that issues are addressed and appropriate government services are given to the people particularly those belonging to the marginalized sectors. According to the two mayors, this condition paves the way for the establishment of a peaceful environment where their constituents live in harmony.
Brigadier General Cerilo C Balaoro Jr., Commander, 202nd Infantry Brigade, praised the Local Government Units of General Nakar and Infanta for institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining this milestone in the normalization process. “With this declaration, General Nakar and Infanta will now be able to significantly expand its commercial sustainability, tourism, and other development opportunities that will benefit the people”, he added.
Key leaders in attendance during said activities who gave inspiring messages were: BGen Cerilo C Balaoro JR PA, Commander, 202nd Infantry Brigade; PLt Gen Rhoderick C Armamento , Commander, Area Police Command-Southern Luzon; Hon. Eliseo R Ruzol Sr, Municipal Mayor of General Nakar, Quezon; Hon. Filipina Grace R America, Municipal Mayor of Infanta; Mr. Manuel Butardo, Quezon Provincial Administrator representing Governor Angelina Tan; Ms. Estrelita C. Macabagdal, Asst Regional Director, NICA4A; and, Dir. Angelo Salidao of NCIP Quezon. Also present were the Municipal Councilors, Department Heads of different local government offices, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairmen of both municipalities.
With the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security, the Local Chief Executives are now leading the charge in maintaining peace and security while pursuing development initiatives for the good of their constituents. Since said municipalities have relatively peaceful atmosphere, it would usher in more investors and open up a lot of job and economic opportunities not only to General Nakar and Infanta, but to the entire Quezon Province as well.
It can be recalled that the province of Quezon has recently declared the municipalities of Macalelon, Unisan, Gumaca, San Narciso, Perez, Quezon, and Alabat as SIPS municipalities.
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