Matag-ob town declared “insurgency free”

MATAG-OB, LEYTE, Philippines  — The Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police has declared the landlocked Matag-ob town as “insurgency free” during yesterday’s 116th Philippine Independence Day celebration.

The joint declaration was a first in the province of Leyte and befitted the day’s celebration, according to Vice Mayor Michael Torrevillas, who added that the town has been “insurgency free” for years already.

The closest thing Torrevillas could recall about Matag-ob having peace and order problems was at the height of agrarian-related disputes years ago, when the militant farmers’ group SAGUPA (Samahan sa mga Gagmay’ng Parag-uma) attempted to occupy agricultural lands forcibly. This was stopped when landowners fought back and filed cases against the farmers’ group, resulting in their arrests.

Yesterday’s declaration was marked with the signing of a covenant to maintain peace and order in the town by Mayor Agustin Pedrano Sr., Torrevillas himself, 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Dinoh Dolina and Leyte Provincial Police director Sr. Supt. Brigido Unay.

Lieutenant Col. Nedy Espulgar of the 19th Infantry Batallion and Insp. Christopher Pangue, chief of the Matag-ob Police, witnessed the signing of the document, while municipal councilors and the 21 barangay chairmen also signed a tarpaulin affirming their support to the declaration.

Dolina said the declaration of Matag-ob as “insurgency free” was an important step to improve the town’s economic status.  He said investors could come if they know a place is peaceful.

Dolina added that, per intelligence report, only about 40 stragglers remained with the New People’s Army in Leyte, armed with only 51 firearms. He also told the media: “Unahan ko na kayo. Yes, our intel says they have AK-47s but they’ve had this long before,” referring to the controversial report of these government’s firearms landing in the hands of the rebels.

Espulgar, in a brief rundown of events leading to the declaration, said the Philippine Army succeeded in breaking up the two rebel fronts in Leyte and Southern Leyte in the early 2000s. Now, only one front remains and members have reportedly lied low after the military had neutralized its top leaders, he said.

Espulgar said he believed in “winning the war with peace” rather than use strong-arm tactics. Under his watch, he said the 19th IB has already organized 50 farmer organizations, 15 of which are already registered with DOLE and are gainfully engaged in organic farming.  The farmers were either supporters or previous members of the NPA. (FREEMAN)