Villareal: Villareal town in Samar province has been declared insurgency-free following a resolution passed by local government officials upon the recommendation of the Municipal Peace and Order Council. Mayor Marilou Latorre, together with 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jayson Almagro and other officials from the military and police, led the formal declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Wednesday. “This declaration is not an end but a new beginning – a promise to sustain the peace we have achieved,” Latorre said in her message.
According to Philippines News Agency, Latorre emphasized that the victory is attributed to the unwavering dedication of the local government, the courage of security forces, and the active participation of every single resident. She highlighted that the SIPSC status reflects the successful collaboration of law enforcement agencies, the local government unit, and community stakeholders in maintaining order in the municipality. “This status is a testament to sustained peace efforts and aims to create an environment conducive to development and progress without fear or violence,” Latorre added.
Villareal joins the growing list of local government units in Samar that have achieved SIPSC status, which include Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Sta. Margarita, Sto. Ni±o, Zumarraga, Pinabacdao, and Calbayog City. Brig. Gen. Almagro stated that the declaration signifies that the town is free from the influence of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and is expected to spur positive developments, particularly in the business sector, as it may encourage investors to establish enterprises in the town. “This declaration will also help us (military) shift our focus to other areas that still have problems with insurgency,” he added.
As part of the SIPSC declaration, local officials and representatives from the military, police, and other peace partners signed a pledge of commitment and a memorandum of understanding to strengthen efforts in maintaining peace and preventing the resurgence of communist groups. With Villareal now declared insurgency-free, the Philippine National Police will take the lead in maintaining peace and security in the municipality. Villareal, a fourth-class town in Samar with a population of 27,909, is situated 62 kilometers north of Tacloban City, the regional capital.
