CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 26 (PIA)–During the recent City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) Meeting held on June 23, 2014 , CPOC Chair Mayor Stephany Uy-Tan, representatives of various sectors agreed and voted for the declaration of Catbalogan as a “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready Area” as endorsed by the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Commanding Officer LTC Glenn Jun C Calambuhay of the 43rd IB, 8th Infantry Division , Philippine Army stated the following observation, reduced threat to stability, insurgent groups cease to function as an organized movement, and an established local community defense system.
Present during the meeting were majority of the Barangay Chairpersons of the City, who expressed support to the declaration, they believe such will bring in more development to their respective areas and further bring peace.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAP) Representative Ms. Emy Bonifacio expressed her interest and support to this initiative and further discussed the current peace and development programs being undertaken in the region, which Catbalogan may take advantage of.
The Council is set to schedule the official endorsement of the Council Resolution to the Mayor and for the same to be adopted by The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Catbalogan City.
This declaration is poised to cast a positive light to the City as being stable and ready for development to further boost its economy and progress. Although the declaration does not mean that there are no more insurgents, army authorities have downgraded this to police matter. (PIA 8-Samar with Ador Hurtado Catbalogan City media bureau)
