Northern Samar Enters New Year With Stable Security, Army Says

TACLOBAN CITY — As the New Year begins,  people in Northern Samar are gathering in churches, markets, and town plazas.  Authorities say things are generally calm and safe in the province. They are keeping a watchful eye on the situation, but not panicking during the holidays.

Brigadier General Carmelito Pangatungan, who heads the 803rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, mentioned that security measures and peace efforts over the years have significantly weakened the communist rebels in the province, despite some remaining threats in remote areas.

“Many towns, like Catarman, have achieved peace and safety, but there are still security issues due to the presence of communist rebels,” Pangatungan said.

He cited recent conflicts and gun incidents in distant barangays of Las Navas, Catubig, Silvino Lubos, and Palapag as evidence that the rebels are still active, although not as strong as before.

“ This indicates that the communist terrorists are still present, but their influence has diminished,” Pangatungan explained.  He emphasized that these isolated incidents do not reflect the overall safety of the province. “The communist rebels are mostly under control, and Northern Samar is relatively safe,” he said.

With more people traveling and gathering during the holidays, Pangatungan highlighted that maintaining peace during Christmas and New Year’s primarily falls on the  Philippine National Police (PNP), with support from the military.

“It is primarily the responsibility of the police to ensure everyone’s safety, especially during the holidays. The Philippine Army may assist if necessary,” he said.

According to Pangatungan, the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office has deployed additional police force in town centers, markets, bus stations, and other popular areas.

“The Army will only provide assistance if requested by local authorities,” he added.

He reiterated that safeguarding travelers, churches, and crowded locations is part of the police’s duty.  

“As I mentioned, the police are managing this. The army will step in if needed,’ Pangatungan said.

The brigade commander also urged everyone to cooperate with authorities to maintain peace during the holidays. “It is crucial for people to heed the safety advice from authorities,’  he said.

In addition to holiday security, Pangatungan discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to peacefully resolve the long-standing insurgency.  “The government has been promoting localized peace talks, but they have not been properly reciprocated by the other side. However, we will continue to promote these localized peace talks,’ he said.

Regarding the possibility of ceasefire agreements, Pangatungan suggested that those discussions should occur after progress is made in local peace talks.  ` I believe it is more appropriate to address ceasefire agreements once we have made headway in the local peace negotiations,’ he observed.

As the holidays promote goodwill and forgiveness, Pangatungan appealed to armed groups to cease violence and reintegrate into society. “We urge them to choose peace, abide by the law, and reintegrate into society,’ he said.

He mentioned that the government has implemented programs to assist former rebels in rebuilding their lives, such as offering amnesty, employment support, and other resources.  “The government continues to explore solutions to their issues.  They should collaborate with us to pursue peace and improve conditions,’  Pangatungan added.

He concluded with the 803rd Infantry Brigade’s motto: “UPOD KITA”—Unity for Peace, Onwards to Development—Kamurayaw Isulong Tikadto han pag-Asenso ng Northern Samar.

As families come together to celebrate the New Year, security officials emphasized the importance of teamwork between the public, police, and military to ensure that the holidays in Northern Samar are characterized by peace, safety, and hope, rather than fear.

(Photo courtesy: PLGU Northern Samar and the Army’s 803rd Brigade)