CALATRAVA, Philippines — In a bid to enhance security and peace, the municipality of Calatrava and the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion have reinforced their partnership following a spate of violent incidents attributed to the New People's Army in the region. The collaboration was underscored during a municipal meeting aimed at addressing local communist insurgencies.
According to the Philippine News Agency, First Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion, emphasized the commitment of Mayor Marilyn Era, head of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, to safeguard her constituents. Mayor Era, addressing the issue at the municipal hall on May 20, called for the remaining rebels to surrender and integrate into society, highlighting the government’s readiness to assist in their reintegration.
This year, the New People's Army has claimed responsibility for the deaths of five individuals in Calatrava, with the latest incident involving the death of village watchman Alexander Alquizar on April 20. The local and military officials, including First Lt. Kenn Brian Adesas and Lt. Artus Escuadra of the Calatrava Municipal Police Station, have expressed a unified stance against the violence and extended support to the former rebels willing to surrender.
Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of the 79IB, reiterated the army's resolve to dismantle the threats posed by the rebels and foster a peaceful environment in Calatrava, describing the joint effort as a significant step towards regional peace and development.