AFP declares third town in Leyte insurgency-free

PALOMPON, LEYTE, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with the Philippine National Police, has declared this town “insurgency-free”, during a ceremony held yesterday at the Municipal Hall.

Palompon is the third town in Leyte declared insurgency-free, after Matag-ob town and then Merida, all in the 4th congressional district of Leyte.

After the reading of the declaration, officials of the military, the police and the local government unit signed a pact to maintain peace and order in the town, and work together to keep it that way for years to come.

Mayor Ramon Oñate said the declaration would further boost the coastal town’s image as a tourism destination.

Despite being ravaged by Yolanda in 2013, Palompon---home to the beautiful Kalanggaman Island---was cited the “Most Tourism Friendly LGU in the Philippines” last year, and recently got a P 2-million incentive from the Department of Labor and Employment for its active involvement in initiating livelihood schemes for its constituents.

It was also the first LGU in Leyte this year to release the Emergency Shelter Assistance to needy constituents, whose houses were destroyed by Yolanda.