ELEVEN barangays in two municipalities in Agusan del Sur have recently been recommended as cleared from insurgency, thus, making them ready for further development, a military official said Monday.

Army's 4th Infantry Division spokesman and the concurrent public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said after a thorough validation process, the said barangays passed the parameters to be declared as insurgency-free.

"The parameters are set by the joint Letter Directive Number 3, a revised version, series of 2020," said Cordero.

He said the barangays have been recommended by the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion and the LGUs of the said two municipalities as cleared barangays from infestation of the communist groups.

The recommendation was held during the conduct of community support program (CSP) area clearing evaluation on Friday morning on October 16, 2020.

Based on CSP teams, the 11 barangays were Sinakungan, Salug, Nato, Balobo, Guibonon, Oro, Segunda, Maliwanag, Remedios and Kinamaybay of municipality of Esperanza; and Brgy Coalicion of San Luis.

"Evaluation and validation are to be conducted by the Area Clearing Validation Board (ACVB)," said Cordero.

He said this is in order to finalize if the barangays have sustained the parameters set as totally free from communist rebels' affectation prior endorsement to NTF- ELCAC.

Cordero clarified these barangays are to be set as priority barangays for development in 2021 and in the succeeding years.

"This clearing evaluation from communist terrorist affectation is very important because this will pave the way for the entry of development and economic opportunities in every barangay," said 402nd deputy brigade commander Colonel Cerilo Balaoro Jr.

He said even the delivery of basic services by the local government will not be hampered.

Ezperanza mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan commended the firm affirmation of the Punong Barangays in fighting insurgents in their area.

"As your local chief executive here in Esperanza, it hurts me seeing my constituents struggling from fear and discomfort because of the presence of these NPAs," Manpatilan said as she is hoping that  the people will sustain and continue to refute lawless elements. 

"We have to unite and work hand in hand in order to defeat these NPAs. As per mandate to us by EO70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, inter-agency efforts are deemed necessary to address the issues," Manpatilan said. (Ben Balce)