Surigao del Norte is insurgency-free, says DILG

Among the weapons seized from NPA rebels after a skirmish in Surigao del Sur last May 11, 2023. (Photo from AFP Eastmincom)

MANILA, Philippines — Surigao del Norte has been declared insurgency-free after its provincial government and law enforcement agencies dismantled the remaining forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief lauded the provincial government’s efforts during its ceremonial declaration, where 14 former rebels pledged their support for government.

“Linggo-linggo, sumusuko na ang halos lahat ng mga NPA. They’re weakened at nagigising na ang mga tao sa panloloko ng NPA (and people have finally woken from  the NPA’s schemes),” Abalos said in a statement on Sunday.

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“It is because of the collective action of everyone that we now have the fruits,” he added.

The announcement comes after the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Development Council issued Joint Resolution No. 11-2023, declaring Surigao del Norte as a Stable Internal Peace and Security Province (insurgency-free).

Abalos said the former rebels who returned to the mainstream received a total of P904,269 financial and livelihood assistance from the DILG-administered Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

He explained that the funds are meant to help the former rebels start a new life as ordinary citizens.

Aside from these provisions, they also received hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and vitamins from the Department of Health-Caraga; P10,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Caraga; and P5,000 cash from the governor’s office.

For the last six years, Abalos said the province received over P10 billion worth of ECLIP funds for former rebels.