DILG says Northern Samar free of guerrillas, NPAs
MANILA, Philippines — All barangays in Northern Samar are now free from the influence of guerrilla fronts and communist terrorist groups, said Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr.
In a statement on Tuesday, Abalos said that the barangays no longer have influence from communist terrorist groups (CTG), as reported by the Philippine Army.
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While there are still sightings of seven roving vertical formations of the New People’s Army in the province, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that the barangays are no longer supporting these CTGs.
Abalos recently visited Catarman, Northern Samar, to lead the distribution of over P160,000 worth of livelihood and financial assistance to 16 former rebels.
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The program was under the DILG-administered Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration program.
Each former rebel received P15,000 in immediate assistance, P50,000 in livelihood assistance, and firearm remuneration, said DILG.
During his address, Abalos highlighted the importance of providing for the basic needs of a community to kick-start sustainable progress and peace.
“Once the police and army have finished their mission, it’s not right to just leave a barangay to fend for itself. We can only achieve peace by having this kind of intervention at the grassroots level — build streets, provide water, electricity, and set up schools,” he said.
“What’s important is that we should sustain these projects being implemented by the administration of President Marcos,” he added.
The Northern Samar provincial government also provided P30,000 in remuneration for firearms, housing units, farmlands for agriculture development, and livelihoods to the former rebels.
