Dingalan, Aurora, Mayor Shierwin Taay has declared his insurgency-free or an area with Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) following Resolution No. 2021-976 of the Sangguniang Bayan passed on Monday.
Colonel Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, formally received the documents from Mayor Taay together with Vice Mayor Edgardo Galvez and the whole Sangguniang Bayan members and witnessed by local officials, Department Heads, Barangay Chairperons, policemen, and troopers led by Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew Rubio, commanding officer of Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion.
Mayor Taay lauded the leadership of Rubio and Pasamonte who vowes to remain committed in helping his constituents and Aurora provincd to attain peace, prosperity, and development.
The rebel-free status was the result of the LGU and Philippine Army’s commitment to ending the local communist armed conflict.
He also cited the efforts of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Commander Lt. General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., who tied up with GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. in the Construction of Footbridge at sitio Malacauyan Barangay Umiray, Dingalan which will be soon completed and to be inaugurated within this year.
“Pakiusap ko po sa ating kasundaluhan na huwag po ninyo kaming iwan,” Mayor Taay said.
On the other hand, Pasamonte said that the insurgency problem way back 5 decades ago –the year 1993 to be specific– the town of Dingalan was heavily influenced by the terrorist organization by spreading malicious information and propaganda.
“Napakalayo na ng pagkakaiba ng serbisyo ngayon at noon, dahil makikita mo kung gaano umunlad ang bayan ng Dingalan na nagpapakita na hindi na sila tumatanggap ng makakaliwang grupo na tanging dahilan ng hindi pagiging mapayapa at malaya ng isang bayan. Ang pagdeklara ng isang insurgency free na bayan ay masasabi natin na naisakatuparan sa pamamagitan ng sunod-sunod na paggawa ng istruktura, maayos na pagbibigay na serbisyo at ang pagkakaisa ng mga tao para tugunan at tuldokan ang pananakot ng mga makakaliwang grupo,” Colonel Pasamonte said.
He pointed out that the town of Dingalan will now be able to further enhance commerce, tourism, and other development opportunities that will benefit the people.
Meanwhile, the Acting Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Luis Rex D. Bergante PA hailed the LGU Dingalan for their efforts to attain this status and assured that the Army will be here to maintain and sustain the internal peace and security in the area.
“The strong commitment of the local officials down to the Brgys of Dingalan to attain peace and development made their status possible. At kung nagawa nila, magagawa din ito ng ibang LGU. Let us work together to attain these objectives — end the local communist armed conflict and sustain peace and development. Because together, anything is possible,” said BGen Bergante.
