BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Governor Jose V. Gambito led officials in receiving the recognition by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that declared Nueva Vizcaya as the second ‘Insurgency-Free’ province in Cagayan Valley on Jan. 22.
Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, commander of the Northern Luzon Command, presented the plaque to Governor Gambito in acknowledgement of the province’s role in achieving peace and continuing growth.
Gov. Gambito expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the AFP and Philippine National Police for their sacrifices to make the province strong, clean, and peaceful, and to Novo Vizcayanos for contributing to the attainment of peace and order in the province.
“In more than 50 years, many lives have been wasted, which has become a major obstacle to the development of our country due to the problem of insurgency. Until the insurgency problem is suppressed, the livelihood of the people of Nueva Vizcaya will not improve,” the governor said.
With the insurgency-free state of the province, this will further spur economic growth and development, Gambito said.
Duca added: “For a long time, insurgency has been a cancer in society that takes advantage of the weakness of the people. All this was achieved and overcome because of the cooperation of everyone, including the LGU, NGO, PNP, and AFP.”
This remarkable achievement is the result of the collaborative efforts of many parties who are committed to ensuring regional peace and order, the general said.
The event also featured dedicated individuals from both national and local government agencies, as well as collaborative partners actively working to maintain peace in the region.
The DILG Nueva Vizcaya, represented by Provincial Director Catherine G. Allam-Miranda, CESE, got a Certificate of Recognition for her efforts in aiding Nueva Vizcaya in successfully implementing comprehensive policies to establish a safe and secure environment for its citizens.
In the joint resolution signed by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTC ELCAC), the 502nd Brigade and the Police Provincial Office recommended Nueva Vizcaya as an “Insurgency-Free Province” on Oct. 10, 2023, during the 4th quarter joint PPOC, PADAC, and PTF-ELCAC regular meeting.
Meanwhile, the 86IB, which occupies the province of Nueva Vizcaya, along with the police, will continue patrolling to prevent the NPA from returning to the province, Buca said.
“This will strengthen the relationship with all government agencies in order to provide aid to the people and maintain peace and development,” he added.
Present during the event were Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo, Police Brig. Gen. Christopher C. Birung, Regional Director, Police Regional Office 2; officers of the Nueva Vizcaya Police Provincial Office under Provincial Director Police Col. Camlon Nasdoman; and the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support led by Lt. Gen. Buca.
Nueva Vizcaya is looking forward to building on this accomplishment and continuing to work constructively for a brighter and more secure future, Gov. Gambito said.