Tabuk City, Kalinga (2 July) -- Four municipalities of the province will now handle their internal security operation (ISO).

Capt. Adonis Banez, Public Information Officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army said the ISO of Balbalan, Tinglayan, Pinukpuk and Tabuk City were handed over to their respective local government units(LGUs). He said the ISO of the four other towns will hopefully be turned over middle of July.

Banez clarified that while the ISO is turned over to the LGIU, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to provide assistance especially on the security of development programs and projects implemented by the LGUs.

Col. Eliseo Posadas, Deputy Commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade said the insurgency problem is no longer a threat to the internal security in their area of responsibility which includes Kalinga.

"The insurgency problem is now reduced to insignificant level and that people are now safe in their own abode where they can exercise their freedom to make a living," Posadas said in his message during the ISO handover last June 28 coinciding with the oath taking of newly elected officials of Tabuk.

Banez said the AFP will continue to be partners in development by fighting remnants of the New Peoples Army while also providing civic actions. At present, he said the 501st IB, with the 21st and 77th Infantry Battalions under its supervision, is conducting Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS) and other outreach programs in the barangays.

In partnership with the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the 513rd Engineering Brigade is also implementing infra projects in barangays liberated from NPA influence. Sveral school buildings, water systems, health centers, concrete pathways, and other priority needs in the barangays have been completed.

"The absence of these needs and the social ills are the very root causes of the insurgency problem which the LGUs must address," Banez said.

Meanwhile, the planned turn-over of the ISO to Ifugao last June 30 was deferred since the different municipalities are not ready of such responsibility.

Newly elected Congressman Teodoro B. Baguilat, Jr. stated that there's a need to prepare the different LGUs in assuming more responsibilities in anti-insurgency.

"I have no objection to the idea, however there's a need to have more top level discussions and really study the readiness and the feasibility of turning over the responsibility in Ifugao this time," Baguilat said.

Baguilat clarified that although there may be sightings in selected barangays of some municipalities of the province, they are considered cleared since the rebels are not doing hostile activities.