Peace, development works continue in Northern Samar amid insurgency

THE Provincial Government of Northern Samar will continue to be firm in its stance against insurgency and terrorism in the province.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan has said this following a series of rebel attacks in the province that killed an Army personnel and two other unarmed Civilian Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) over the weekend.

The governor also directed the giving of immediate assistance to the family of the slain government forces.

"The assistance is a way to recognize the efforts of our people in our pursuit for peace and development especially in conflict areas in the province," Ongchuan said.

Corporal Jason Avestruz of the Philippine Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion was killed during the encounter in Barangay Palanit, San Isidro town on Saturday, August 21, 2021.

The government troops engaged in a 15-minute firefight with some 20 suspected rebels.

The two unarmed CAAs were Lito Dauba and Arcito Reyes.

According to the Army, the two CAAs were allegedly “flagged down and executed” by around 10 suspected rebels in Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro on Saturday, August 21, while they were about to join the community support program team who were conducting development social works for the community.

“The governor believes that it is only by ending the (insurgency) issue that the province can achieve true progress,” the Provincial Government said. (SunStar Philippines)