In a significant stride towards peace, the town of Pagsanjan in Laguna has been officially declared free from insurgency, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s quest for Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS). The announcement was made on December 17, 2024, at the Pagsanjan town hall, celebrating the relentless efforts of the local government, security forces, and the community at large.
Col. Ernest John Jadloc, the deputy commander of the Philippine Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade and head of Task Force Ugnay, emphasized the importance of this achievement. He stated that the declaration reflects the dedication and hard work of all involved parties and signifies not only the cessation of insurgency but also the dawn of enhanced peace, development, and progress in the region.
Jadloc highlighted that Pagsanjan’s success serves as an inspiration for other provinces aiming for similar stability and solidifies Laguna’s reputation as a beacon of peace and progress. The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), working alongside the 202nd Infantry Brigade and various stakeholders, continues its mission to ensure lasting peace and stability for all residents of Laguna.
Addressing recent concerns about an armed clash in Famy, Laguna, Jadloc clarified that the individuals involved were not from the province, and the operation was initiated based on a tip from the local community, underscoring the crucial role of public cooperation in maintaining peace.
With Pagsanjan now insurgency-free, Laguna moves closer to revalidating its SIPS status, reaffirming its commitment to creating a safe and prosperous environment for its citizens. Pagsanjan, with a population of 44,327 according to the 2020 Census, was recently reclassified by the Department of Finance from a third-class to a second-class municipality, with an income ranging between PHP160 million to PHP200 million.