2 more Isabela areas now rebel-free

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The municipalities of Maconacon and Divilacan in Isabela have been declared free from the influence of communist guerrillas.

Last week, officials of the nearby Palanan town also declared the area rebel-free.

The declarations were contained in Resolution Nos. 103 and 29 passed by the Sangguniang Bayan upon the recommendations of the task force to end local communist armed conflict and the municipal peace and order council.

Maj. Rigor Pamittan, spokesman for the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (5ID) based in Isabela, said that communists sow terror among villagers in order to propagate their interests and ideologies.

With the declaration of Maconacon and Divilacan as insurgency-free, residents are hoping to attain economic prosperity and political stability, Pamittan said.

Local officials attributed the rebel-free declaration to efforts of the task force member agencies, especially those who sacrificed their lives to rid the towns of insurgents.

Maj. Gen. Audrey Pasia, chief of the 5ID, assured residents that the military would continue to protect and safeguard public welfare.

Aside from holding the declaration ceremony, local officials launched the Serbisyo Caravan, which provided assistance and services to residents of Maconacon and Divilacan.