Officials, army, declare kalinga ‘insurgency-free’

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Provincial and army officials declared this province “insurgency-free” last week.

The 501st Infantry (Valiant) Brigade, Philippine Army formally handed over security operations to the provincial government Nov. 8 here at the provincial capitol.

Capt. Adonis Banez, Brigade information officer bared this saying a memorandum of agreement was signed between the provincial government represented by Gov. Jocel C Baac and the 501st Infantry Brigade, 5Ist Division of the Philippine Army by Col Yerson E Depayso, brigade commander.

The MOA intimated that the province was cleared of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front and that the armed component of the CPP, the New People’s Army had been decimated.

Banez said Kalinga has no more insurgents or insurgency-affected barangays in the province.

The MOA which was read in public by Kristian B. Wandag, Kalinga provincial legal officer stipulated the lead role in security responsibilities will shift from the 501st Infantry Brigade to Kalinga provincial government.

But the AFP will not abandon the province and will provide assistance on security operations upon request of the provincial government.

The 501st Infantry Brigade under Depayso and its subordinate unit, the 21st Infantry Battalion conceptualized handover of security operations.

A narration on history of insurgency of Kalinga read by Banez said “neutralization of the CPP/NPA/NDF in the province can be attributed to the local government executives’ willingness to end insurgency and cooperation of people with local leaders.

Baac assured AFP officers the provincial government will head campaigns against insurgency and stop recruitment activities of the CPP/NPA/NDF.

Big Gen. Pompeo V Limbo, assistant commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army who represented Maj. Gen Rommel A Gomez said the AFP in the province is “not abandoning or leaving the province but only shifting concentration of security in other areas.

He added internal security defense system through the CAFGU and barangay tanod groups will be strengthened to reinforce peace agencies.