THE local government unit (LGU) of Bingawan in Iloilo has passed a resolution calling the communist rebels as persona non grata and creating a Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-Elcac).

Resolution 2, Series of 2019 was passed during a peace covenant signing Thursday, November 14, led by Bingawan Mayor Mark Palabrica.

Executive Order (EO) 66, which created the MTF-Elcac, was also signed during the activity held at the Municipal Hall of Bingawan.

The activity was witnessed by LGU officials, 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), Philippine National Police, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, reservists and students.

Also present during the signing were Board Member Matt Palabrica, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Jennifer Sabio, municipal and barangay officials, religious sector and Department of Education representatives, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Fire Protection and other civil society organizations.

Also on Thursday, residents of Bingawan and other stakeholders participated in a Walk for Peace, which happened around the town.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of 61IB, praised the efforts of the people of Bingawan and the MTF-Elcac for making a strong and solid stand in condemning the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army.

"I am commending the Bingawan people, as well as the members of the MTF-Elcac who made this activity a success," Batara said.

"Let us continue to work hand in hand for peace and development not only in this municipality but to the whole Panay Island. We are thankful and glad to the people of Bingawan for showing a united effort and having a leader with a consistent and strong political will to address insurgency," he added.

The 61IB, whose area covers the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Guimaras, has been successful in campaigning MTF-Elcac for the security, and peace and order.

Last September 27, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao signed EO 119, which created the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the province. (SunStar Philippines)