The Joint Palawan Provincial Task Force ELCAC and the Provincial Peace and Order Council unanimously approved to declare the entire Province of Palawan as communist terrorist-free during the Joint council meeting last week.
“Western Command is thanking not only our gallant and dedicated joint forces, but also our partner agencies and the people of the entire province for working so hard to achieve our shared dream of a safe, secure and communist terrorist-free Palawan,” said Vice Admiral Alberto B Carlos PN, the Commander WESCOM AFP.
With Team WESCOM’s relentless efforts on focused military operations, coupled with community support programs and inter-agency collaboration, the backbone of the communist terrorist group in Palawan was crushed resulting from the neutralization of CTG leaders, massive surrenders of former rebels and supporters, and recovery of CTG firearms, explosives and other war paraphernalias.
“It was not an easy journey. But because of our collaborative efforts, we have protected our communities and people from being vulnerable from enemy deception and unlawful activities, moving us to where we are now,” said Brigadier General Jimmy Larida PN(M), the Commander of the WESCOM’s Joint Task Force Peacock.
Since the implementation of EO 70 in 2016, the joint council has accounted a total number of 118 firearms recovered from the CTGs. Moreover, there have been 214 former rebels who have benefitted from the Provincial Government’s local social integration program (LSIP) and the national government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program (ECLIP).
“All these efforts have sustained the gains of the whole-of-government efforts leading to the end of insurgency in Palawan,” Brigadier General Larida added.
The Commander WESCOM lauds the effectiveness of military operations and civil-military partnerships in securing the communities from terrorist infiltration and clearing them from enemy’s affectation throughout the years.
“As a safe and insurgency-free environment prevails in the whole Province of Palawan, we can all enjoy a more peaceful and progressive home for the locals, and indeed the most desired destination for our visitors world-wide,” Vice Admiral Carlos said.
“We urge all Palaweños to keep our bayanihan spirit strong alive in order to safeguard our internal security gains, to continue working together for progress and good governance, and to prevent the resurgence of the communist terrorists in the Province,” Vice Admiral Carlos added. (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)
