TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) declared Tarlac in a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security, making it the first insurgency-free province in Central Luzon.
This was through a resolution signed by Governor Susan Yap and PPOC members, and affirmed by Department of the Interior and Local Government, Police Regional Office 3, and 7th Infantry Division (7ID).
In her message, Yap said she is grateful and elated that Tarlac was the first province in the region to achieve such feat.
“Today marks a very significant day. Tarlac has been one of the brave provinces who fought for its liberation not only from insurgency but also from Spain, Japan and America. I’m very proud that through the years, not only 50 years of communist insurgency but also hundreds of years, Tarlac stands to fight for peace,” the governor remarked.
Yap also highlighted the effort made by the council members and stakeholders to attain peace and development in the province.
She then urged the security sector and council members to work together to sustain the insurgency-free status of Tarlac, emphasizing that peace is an essential part of development and progress.
“As you know in the coming years, Tarlac development is in full thrust and the continued peace is highly appreciated and needed for investors to come in. May we not just sit down now after the declaration but let us continue our concerted efforts in keeping our province, region and country in a stable peace environment,” she remarked.
For his part, 7ID Commander Major General Andrew Costelo lauded the local government units and national government agencies for their holistic hard work towards peace and security.
“Without your sole support, we will not be advancing towards the eradication of the presence of elements of communist terrorist groups (CTGs). Your troopers will remain at your side as we work together to sustain the insurgency-free status,” Costelo noted.
He likewise cited their security operations and purposive Civil Military Operations to prevent and preempt the activities of the lawless elements.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jose Hidalgo Jr. committed their intensified measures to address internal security issues in Central Luzon.
Hidalgo also vowed the all-out support of the police for other provinces in the region to follow suit.
“Together with our partners in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we continue to ensure that our region is secured and highly manageable, along with our commitment to further strengthen our internal security measures,” he said.
On February 17, 2022, the National Joint Peace and Security Coordination Council (NJPSC) stated the weakening of Komiteng Larangang Gerilya-Tarlac-Zambales through a resolution.
NJPSC announced that six barangays in San Jose, and one barangay each in Mayantoc and Capas were declared cleared of CTG influence through the sustained Community Support Program. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)
