From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): AFP declares Bulacan "cleared of communist affectation and influence"
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan -–Long known as among the hotbed of communist insurgency in the country, the province of Bulacan on Wednesday was finally declared “cleared of communist terrorists affectation and influence” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Francisco Balagtas Hall of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy- Alvarado, in his capacity as chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and representative of the provincial government of Bulacan, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Col. Henry G. Sabarre, commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade of 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and Bulacan police director Supt. Joel S. Orduna, declaring Bulacan as “peaceful and ready for further development.”
The MOA signing was witnessed by Northern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.,Col. Librado Moog, Imelda Magat of the provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government and provincial board member Ramon Posadas, chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order of the Sanguniang Panglalawigan.
Catapang said that the 703rd Brigade, which has operational jurisdiction in Bulacan, has earlier recommended to the higher headquarters of the AFP for the declaration of Bulacan as “cleared” from “communist terrorists” (CTs) affectation and influence as evidence by the decrease in the activities of the insurgents and the improved peace and order situation in the province as attested by local chief executives of formerly affected areas.
“ All the ingredients for progress is now here in Bulacan. We have been fighting insurgency for a long time but finally we have cleared Bulacan and growth and development is now fast accelerating here especially in the mountains ofEastern Bulacan which is rich in mineral resources,” Catapang said.
He also stressed that to achieve long lasting peace, the groundwork for progress must be laid properly and spread prosperity to all the people.
He assured Governor Alvarado and the people of Bulacan that the AFP will continue to protect the province from all types of security threats.
Alvarado said that the MOA is” a manifestation of our long quest for peace”.
He said that the key to progress and peace is unity and this will radiate to the entire country, ensuring national growth and stability.
“This is a challenge to anybody, whatever their creed or ideology, the purpose here, is alleviate the lives of our people and with order there will be peace and when there is peace, progress and development will bloom.
“We could now focus on more pressing problems like addressing the effects of global warming and climate change. Through the unified move and stable relationship, we can the attain peaceful development of our province," the governor said.
The MOA will also further strengthen the internal security operations that will pre-empt the resurgence of communist terrorists and other threat groups in the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=598002
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan -–Long known as among the hotbed of communist insurgency in the country, the province of Bulacan on Wednesday was finally declared “cleared of communist terrorists affectation and influence” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Francisco Balagtas Hall of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy- Alvarado, in his capacity as chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and representative of the provincial government of Bulacan, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Col. Henry G. Sabarre, commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade of 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and Bulacan police director Supt. Joel S. Orduna, declaring Bulacan as “peaceful and ready for further development.”
The MOA signing was witnessed by Northern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.,Col. Librado Moog, Imelda Magat of the provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government and provincial board member Ramon Posadas, chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order of the Sanguniang Panglalawigan.
Catapang said that the 703rd Brigade, which has operational jurisdiction in Bulacan, has earlier recommended to the higher headquarters of the AFP for the declaration of Bulacan as “cleared” from “communist terrorists” (CTs) affectation and influence as evidence by the decrease in the activities of the insurgents and the improved peace and order situation in the province as attested by local chief executives of formerly affected areas.
“ All the ingredients for progress is now here in Bulacan. We have been fighting insurgency for a long time but finally we have cleared Bulacan and growth and development is now fast accelerating here especially in the mountains of
He also stressed that to achieve long lasting peace, the groundwork for progress must be laid properly and spread prosperity to all the people.
He assured Governor Alvarado and the people of Bulacan that the AFP will continue to protect the province from all types of security threats.
Alvarado said that the MOA is” a manifestation of our long quest for peace”.
He said that the key to progress and peace is unity and this will radiate to the entire country, ensuring national growth and stability.
“This is a challenge to anybody, whatever their creed or ideology, the purpose here, is alleviate the lives of our people and with order there will be peace and when there is peace, progress and development will bloom.
“We could now focus on more pressing problems like addressing the effects of global warming and climate change. Through the unified move and stable relationship, we can the attain peaceful development of our province," the governor said.
The MOA will also further strengthen the internal security operations that will pre-empt the resurgence of communist terrorists and other threat groups in the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=598002