Davao City declared as peaceful and ready for further development

DAVAO CITY, Mar 17 (PIA) Authorities forged an agreement with the Davao City Government yesterday declaring Davao City and its suburbs as peaceful and ready for further development.

City officials headed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and top officials from the Eastern Mindanao Command, 10th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office XI attended the simple ceremony at the Grand Menseng Hotel amid the festivities of the Araw ng Dabaw.

Colonel Ricardo Nepomuceno, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade cited the basis for the declaration ranging from the reduction of the rebel strength, clearing of the barangays from the rebel influence to the partnership of the soldiers and the government in the delivery of basic services to the people.

Lt. General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the shared effort of all responsible stakeholders leads to the formal declaration of the city being insurgency free and ready for further developments.

He lauded the city government for its continued support to the military.

Major General Rafael Valencia welcomed this development and assured the continued presence of the soldiers as long as the residents of the city want them.

“The signing of the PFRD declaration signals the desire of the people to strengthen peace and security throughout the city,” he said.

Mayor Duterte underscored the contributions of the soldiers and the police to the continuing progress of the city under his administration.

Chief Superintendent Federico Dulay Jr. of the PRO 11 and Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao of the Davao City Police Office, represented the Philippine National Police in the occasion.   (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)