Nueva Vizcaya now insurgency-free

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya has been cleared of armed left leaning groups. 

Maj. Rigor Pamittan of the 5th Infantry Division (ID) said the declaration was based on the recommendation of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Pamittan said no New People‘s Army rebel and activities by the group were monitored in the past five years.

He said the military would continue to provide public service in cooperation with local government units to prevent the recruitment of residents to the communist movement.

Ilocos Norte and Quirino, which are covered by the 5th ID, had earlier been declared insurgency-free. 

Pamittan said Isabela and Cagayan may also be declared free of communist insurgents by their respective peace and order councils.