PERSONA NON GRATA. Members of the municipal peace and order council in Mondragon, Northern Samar convene on Tuesday (Oct. 8, 2019) to formally declare the New People's Army as persona non grata. Lt. Col. Raymundo Picut, 43IB commanding officer, described the declaration as a big step towards ending insurgency in the region. The local government vowed to continue its support to the national government’s intention to eradicate insurgency in the entire country as they denounced the presence of rebels in their town. (Photo courtesy of 43rd Infantry Battalion)
TACLOBAN CITY -- The local government of Mondragon, Northern Samar on Tuesday declared the New People’s Army (NPA) persona non grata, saying that insurgency is a major setback to development.
Municipal Resolution 57 series of 2019 pointed out the presence of insurgents has immobilized business activities, discourage potential investors, and the civilian population is prone to unconventional threats.
“The events have created an opportunity to reflect and reassess the security environment, its implication on peace and order, and government’s counter-insurgency agenda,” according to the resolution signed by Mayor Mario Madera.
The local government vowed to continue its support to the national government’s intention to eradicate insurgency in the entire country as they denounced the presence of rebels in their town.
Lt. Col. Raymundo Picut, commanding officer of the Philippine Army 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB), welcomed the declaration since it is a big step towards ending the insurgency.
“The local government realized that the presence of the communist terrorist threatens the security and development of the municipality and its peace-loving people. When rebels infiltrate their barangays, it will affect their livelihood and hinder development,” Picut said in a statement posted on the 43IB social media page.
The Army official lauded the town for taking action against the NPA who are responsible for the series of atrocities victimizing not only security forces but also civilians.
Mondragon, which is 284 kilometers from this city, is a third-class town in Northern Samar with a population of 38,726 people. (PNA)
