By Nimfa Estrellado The declaration was made during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Declaration of Stable ...
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| The declaration was made during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) at the Lucena City Government Complex. (Photo from Bjmp Lucena FD) |
LUCENA CITY - After years of fighting against various armed groups, authorities declared Lucena City, Quezon, insurgency-free on May 18, 2023. The city is now poised to attract more investments and tourists, thereby expanding economic opportunities for its residents.
The declaration was made during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) at the Lucena City Government Complex, which was presided over by JSINP Fernita Endendrenal, JO1 Regina Mae Legaspi, and JO1 Rathalie Jaide E Tiana from the Lucena City District Jail Female Dormitory. PBGEN Carlito Gaces, RD PRO4A CALABARZON; BGEN Erwin Alea, Commander, 201st Infantry, Kabalikat Brigade (2ID PA); PCOL Ledon Monte, Provincial Director QPPO; and LTC Ernesto Teneza Jr., INF Commander, 59th Infantry, Protector.
Brig. Gen. Erwin Alea, Commander of the 201st Infantry "KABALICAT" Brigade, said the city received a grant from the inter-agency body due to its SIPS status after successfully achieving the necessary criteria to achieve peace in their area, specifically the absence of recorded violence.
He said that the anti-insurgency measures that have been started can only be continued with the cooperation of the majority of the community, and that the grant will be used to fund programs that promote unity and development in the area.
"What we are trying to emphasize is that part of the facilitators coming up with the declaration of the city or the municipalities of the facilitators is that all the stakeholders present during that activity are a manifestation that eventually the counter of the insurgency will not form behind the security sector, not only the army, not only members of the police, but this is everyone's responsibility," he said.
With the declaration of SIPS status, the local chief executives will be in charge of maintaining peace and security in the constituency while promoting their development initiatives for the welfare of their constituents, according to Alea.
The re-declaration of the city against the CPP-NPA-NDF as "Persona Non Grata" and the signing of the "Pledge of Commitment" by all stakeholders, particularly local officials from the city level, including various another barangay chairman.
According to PLTGEN Rhoderick Armamento, Commander of the Area Police Command Southern Luzon, more investors and businessmen will enter the city because it has been declared insurgency-free. Something that is a big help in the rapid development of the city.
"We are going to do this today, which is very historic in the City of Lucena. It is a wonderful gift because we are going to have a fiesta this weekend and I know that the first people who will be happy here are our businessmen and our people. because when investors come to our office, the first thing they ask is how is the situation in our area," said PLTGen Roderick Armamento.
According to PBGEN Carlito Gaces, this is the result of their non-stop operation against the rebels and the support of local governments.
Meanwhile, the Quezon Governor, Doctor Angelina Helen Tan, said that this activity is important because the history that is tainted by the armed struggle against the government is gradually being pushed back.
"You know that this incident is very important, one of the milestones of our province and all the municipalities that have been declared insurgency-free, and the participation of the stakeholders is there." she said.
Lucena City Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala expressed his gratitude for the recognition of their efforts towards peace and pledged to continue working towards a peaceful and prosperous community.
He also emphasized the importance of continuous cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders to sustain peace and development in their communities.
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