Eastern Samar town declared rebel-free

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police have declared San Julian, a fifth class town of Eastern Samar, as now free of communist rebels, according to the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division.

Brigadier General Raul Farnacio commander of the 8th ID, told reporters that the declaration of San Julian, as rebel-free town was made recently by 801st Infantry Brigade commander, Colonel Perfecto Remando, and Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office Director Tranquilino Araral III, with the support of municipal resolutions.

Farnacio said the military and the police have successfully dismantled the mass base and permanent encampment of the rebels in the area, prompting the latter to withdraw and retreat from their positions to other areas.

Farnacio explained that based on the assessment, internal peace and security of San Julian is already stable and prevailing conditions showed that the town is now ready for development and accept business investors.

San Julian Mayor Dennis Estaron, for his part, was optimistic that his town will attain progress and development following the declaration.

San Julian is facing the Pacific Ocean with 16 barangays and a population of 14,498 according to the 2015 census. (FREEMAN)