By Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – Following the eradication of all communist guerrilla fronts in Negros Island, the proposal from government forces to declare a state of stable internal peace and security (SIPS) in Negros Occidental is anticipated to draw increased investments to the province.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed in an interview on Wednesday his optimism that “investors will be more assured” to invest in Negros Occidental “with the assurance of peace and order.
We’ve always wanted to reach that level that there is stable peace and order situation. I think this is also based on the fact that all the fronts of the CPP-NPA have been dismantled. At least, the government that they have set up here in the province has been dismantled,” he told reporters.
According to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), all five guerrilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island were dismantled.
These include the Central Negros 1, Central Negros 2, South East Front, Northern Negros Front, and South West Front.
The Provincial Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC), comprising officials of the 302nd and the 303rd Infantry Brigades of the Philippine Army, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office of the Philippine National Police, and Northern Negros Occidental Coast Guard Station of the Philippine Coast Guard, approved and signed a joint resolution recommending the declaration of a state of SIPS in Negros Occidental on March 1.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said the joint recommendation through the JPSCC is “an important document that will jumpstart the declaration of SIPS in Negros Island.”
“This marks a milestone in the quest for peace. As we aim to declare Negros in a state of SIPS, the support, collaboration, and commitment of government agencies and stakeholders reflect a significant initiative towards ensuring peace and stability,” he added. (PNA)
