5ID, PA Spox eyes Insurgency-free Region 2 Declaration
SAN MATE0, Isabela– LtCol. Melvin R. Asuncion, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (5ID, PA) in Brgy. Upi, Gamu, Isabela during his guesting at the 101st episode of “Usapang Pangkapayapaan, Usapang Pangkaularan” (Up Up) Cagayan, held at the Tactical Operations Group 2 in Cauayan City, Isabela, Dec. 18, expect that Region 2 will be declared Insurgency-free and in a Stable Peace and Security in the early 2025.
Among the five provinces of Region 2, Isabela is the only province left to have not achieved the earlier-mentioned state of security. But the municipalities of Jones, Echague, San Agustin, San Mariano, and San Guillermo which were known to be insurgent-infested areas had already been declared, including the four coastal towns- Palanan, Maconacon, Dinapigue, and Divilacan, and other municipalities like Benito Soliven, San Agustin, Angadanan, and the cities of Ilagan and Santiago.
Asuncion said that the documents for Isabela had already been presented and they are waiting for the endorsement and approval of the Peace and Order Council. Accordingly, based on their timeline, Isabela will be declared by early 2025.
Moreover, Asuncion mentioned that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be focusing on Territorial Defense (TDO) as the Communist Terrorist Groups continue to lose strength. He said that in due time, the transition from Internal Security Operations to TDO will take place between the AFP and the Philippine National Police. But he assured that in the transition period, the plans and programs of the AFP set for the interest of the civilians will continue.
“Sa pronouncement ng ating Division Commander, mayroong 10 years na timeline doon sa transition. Sobra-sobrang panahon na iyon upang maihanda ang ating kapulisan para doon sa kanilang pagtanggap sa responsibility sa ISO campaign. Dito sa ating rehiyon ay hindi na matatawag na insurgency kung mangilan-ilan na lamang. Ang magiging estado na lamang nila ay lawless elements at magiging part na lang ng ordinary crimes which is iyon naman ang mandato ng PNP,” he said.
5ID PA is led by the command of MGen. Gulliver L. Señires.# Mae Barangan
