Kapalong to be declared as normalized, development ready area

DAVAO DEL NORTE, November 17 (PIA) - - A military official announced recently during the Biz Talk at Big8 that Kapalong, one of the most NPA infiltrated municipalities in the province, will be declared as normalized and development ready area by the end of November.

Col. Ricardo Nepumoceno, deputy commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said that Kapalong will be neutralized from the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“During the Serbisyo Caravan of the ARENA on the last week of November, we will declare Kapalong as peaceful, normalized and ready for development,” Col. Nepumoceno said.

He said that through the project QUEPETAKA or Quest for Peace in Talaingod and Kapalong, eight NPA members surrendered in Kapalong and New Corella for this year.

“Since March to October, there are 13 armed engagements already, which resulted to the capture of SMRC Camp in Talaingod and death of 28 NPA members, including Eleazar De Asis Romero, platoon leader of SYP, GF33,” he added.

Col. Nepumoceno explained that project QUEPETAKA envisioned a genuine and lasting peace, and sustainable development in Talaingod and Kapalong through the conduct of Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP).

He added that the army conducted various fora and consultations with the tribal leaders and communities in Kapalong and Talaingod since June of this year.

“We also hold a Cultural Sensitivity Seminar to our soldiers to further educate our troops and understand the culture and traditions of tribal communities in the area,” he added.

He said that aside from the conferences with the tribal communities, the army together with other civic organizations conducted nine medical and dental outreach activities in the province for the months of August and September, youth leaders summit, rice distribution, fun run and other related activities. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)