2 towns freed from rebel influence

CITY OF SANTIAGO, Isabela – Two towns in the eastern part of this province – Maconacon and Divilacan – have been declared communist insurgency-free.

These two municipalities were officially declared free from rebel influence through Resolution Numbers 103 and 29 in a joint declaration ceremony on Friday, April 12, at the Maconacon Isabela Municipal Gymnasium.

These resolutions were unanimously passed by the Sangguniang Bayan or municipal councils of Maconacon and Divilacan, Isabela, after they adopted the recommendation of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) and Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC).

With the declaration of Maconacon and Divilacan as insurgency-free and in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security, residents are hopeful of achieving economic prosperity, political stability, and community cohesion.

Major Gen. Audrey Pasia, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, assured residents that they remain steadfast in its commitment to safeguard their welfare.

However, Pasia urged the people to remain vigilant against communist rebels.

Meanwhile, eight communist rebels surrendered and pledged allegiance to the government in Central Luzon.

Police Regional Office-3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo identified the surrenderers as Ka Jomar, Ka Ivy, Ka Jayjay, Ka Orna, Ka Berting, Ka Lenlen, Ka Gabriela, and Ka Usting.

They turned over guns, bullets, explosive materials, and subversive documents.

Hidalgo encouraged remaining members of the communist movement in Central Luzon to surrender and take advantage of government benefits.