ComVal to be Declared ‘Conflict-Manageable, Development-Ready’ Province

Davao City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to declare the province of Compostela Valley as “conflict-manageable and development-ready area” or CMDRA.

The declaration will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

The event will be graced by top officials of the AFP, led by Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), and Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army.

Top officials of Compostela Valley province led by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, the municipal and barangay officials are also expected to join the declaration.

Private groups, especially those coming from the business sector as well as the academe and religious groups, will also participate in the event.

In a statement to the media, the provincial government said that the declaration is a very significant event given that Compostela Valley province is identified as the operational area of the guerrilla fronts of the communists New People’s Army (NPA).

The signing of the CMDRA will be held at the National Comprehensive High School Gymnasium in Nabunturan town.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) of CMDRA will be signed by Governor Uy together with Maj. Gen. Valencia and 1001st commander Col. Macairog S. Alberto.

The CMDRA MOA was already approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Compostela Valley during its 6th Regular Session last Aug. 10.

The contents of the CMDRA MOA include cooperation between the provincial and local governments, the AFP, line agencies and the private sector in working towards the attainment of peace and development in Compostela Valley province.

Various line agencies, particularly the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) from the regional and provincial offices are also expected to grace the occasion. (PNA) SCS/LCM/ALEX LOPEZ/LDP/RSM