INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. said Surigao del Norte is now insurgency-free.Abalos said this was the result of the relentless efforts of the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, the military and the police in dismantling the remaining forces of the New People's Army (NPA) in the province.The province was formally declared insurgency-free on Friday, March 15.During the ceremonial declaration, 14 former rebels pledged their support to the government and received a total of P904,269 financial and livelihood assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-administered Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).Abalos said the amount will be used by the former rebels to start a new life.The former rebels also received hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and vitamins from the Department of Health-Caraga; P10,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Caraga, and P5,000 cash from the office of Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers.Surigao del Norte has received P10.059-billion E-Clip funds in the last six years.It also received P1.067-billion SBDP funds from the DILG for three cities, three municipalities, and 70 barangay (villages) for projects such as farm-to-market roads, water and sanitation, health stations, schools, rural electrification, and others.Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers welcomed the declaration of Surigao del Norte as insurgency-free.'We are happy that the province now is free from the cudgels and shadows of conflict and unrest,' Barbers said on Sunday.The declaration 'will surely be advantageous for the province as it will be a catalyst to growth and economic development in the area, as well as in the Caraga region,' the lawmaker said.In his welcome speech on Friday during the formal declaration, Barbers said that the 'remarkable achievement' was 'a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts' of the armed forces, the members of law enforcement agencies, and the local government units and their local chief executives.He said that it was a testament to 'the resilient spirit of the people of the beloved province of Surigao del Norte.'Barbers admitted the 'journey was not a smooth one,' saying it 'had daunting challenges and difficult situational problems' before achieving the rebel-free status.'This is a testament to the indomitable spirit of unity and cooperation that defines the Filipino people,' he said.
