Batangas declared insurgency-free

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — The entire province of Batangas has been declared free of communist rebels.

Capt. Jayrald Ternio, 2nd Infantry Division (ID) spokesman, said Batangas is the third province in Calabarzon declared as an area with stable internal peace and security.

Gov. Hermilando Mandanas and 2nd ID commander Maj. Gen. Greg Almerol signed the memorandum of agreement at the provincial capitol yesterday.

The presentation of surrendered firearms and distribution of food packs to former rebels, who had been earlier granted P455,000 in financial aid and other benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, were among the highlights of the event.

Almerol said Batangas met the parameters set by the military on the absence of violent activities by New People’s Army rebels for at least one year.