San Guillermo town of Isabela is now insurgent-free
Mayor Felipe N. Guyud, Jr. receives the Plaque of Recognition from BGen. Eugene M. Mata, Philippine Army. Also on the photo is RD Plormelinda P. Olet of NICA, PD PCol. Julo R. Go of IPPO, and COP PMaj. Merwin T. Villanueva of San Guillermo Municipal Police Station. Photo by Mae Barangan
SAN GUILLERMO, Isabela– The 502nd Infantry Brigade (502IB) of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army declared the town of San Guillermo as an insurgency-free municipality and under the Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony, Oct. 16 at the facade of the municipal building here.
The 502IB Commander, BGen. Eugene M. Mata said the declaration is a testament to the gains of the intensified campaign of Executive Order No. 70 that created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).
“The declaration of an Insurgency-Free Municipality is not merely symbolic; it is a concrete manifestation of the resilience and unity of our people. It is a tribute to those who have laid down their lives in the service of our nation and a promise to our youth that they can now pursue their dreams in an environment free from fear, violence, and conflict,” Mata said.
The Commander also said that in the future, the residents here can compare the peace and order situation between the past election and the incoming Barangay and SK elections now that the municipality is free from the presence of Communist Terrorist Groups, threats, coercion, and extortion.
He also acknowledged the support of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Region 2 led by the Director, Plormelinda P. Olet, and the Isabela Police Provincial Office led by the Director, PCol. Julio R. Go who both graced the ceremonies.
“Our soldiers, alongside our partners in the government, and civil society have dedicated their lives to this noble cause. Together, we have overcome challenges, faced danger, and worked relentlessly to ensure that the people in this municipality can now enjoy the fruits of all our undertakings,” he said.
San Guillermo town is composed of 26 barangays. It is the second municipality of the Province of Isabela to be declared insurgent-free after San Mariano.
Meanwhile, Municipal Mayor Felipe N. Guyud, Jr., a native of San Guillermo recounted the struggles of his family during the heavy firefights between the soldiers and the New People’s Army in the early 1970s.
“Dito sa likuran ng simbahan, sa ating mismong palengke, diyan sila naglalaban. Dahil kami nasa musmos pang gulang, parang nanonood lang kami ng sine… maririnig mo iyong mga putok sa magkabilaang panig. Pagkatapos ng putok, mababalitaan mo na lang na may mga kapatid nating kasundaluhan na nagbuwis ng buhay,” Guyud said.
He recalled that due to the insurgency problems, his family evacuated to Angadanan, the adjacent town, and returned to San Guillermo after a decade.
Having the status at present, the Mayor disclosed that the legislative body has approved the allocation of funds for road graveling in the far-flung barangays. He also said that the projects will lead to the development of tourist spots found in the town.# By Mae Barangan
