Leyte town declared insurgency-free

MATAG-OB, Leyte, Philippines – The Army and Philippine National Police declared this town “insurgency-free” in yesterday’s Independence Day celebration.

The joint declaration, a first in Leyte, befitted the celebration, said Matag-ob Vice Mayor Michael Torrevillas, adding though that the town has been insurgency-free for years.

The declaration was marked with the signing of a covenant to maintain peace and order in the municipality. Mayor Agustin Pedrano Sr., Torrevillas, 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Dinoh Dolina and provincial police director Senior Superintendent Brigido Unay signed the covenant, with Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar of the 19th Infantry Battalion and municipal police chief Inspector Christopher Pangue as witnesses. – Lalaine Jimenea