TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade is ramping up its “Upod Kita Nortehanon” campaign to maintain security gains and further reduce insurgency in Northern Samar.
Brigadier General Carmelito Pangatungan, brigade commander, presented the program during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session at the Provincial Capitol on March 23, providing a threat update and an accomplishment report.
B/Gen. Pangatungan highlighted ongoing operations in partnership with local government units, national agencies, and community stakeholders, emphasizing that these coordinated efforts, anchored in the government’s whole-of-nation approach, have contributed to the gradual decline of insurgency in the province since 2016.
The Upod Kita Nortehanon advocacy promotes unity and collective action among communities, government institutions, and security forces to achieve lasting peace and inclusive development.
Following the provincial briefing, BGen Pangatungan conducted courtesy visits to officials in Lapinig and Gamay on March 24 and 25. These visits, including an Association of Barangay Captains meeting, were aimed at strengthening coordination and aligning security efforts with community leaders.
The brigade commander stressed that continued collaboration under the Upod Kita advocacy is vital for sustaining Northern Samar’s peace gains, ensuring community vigilance, and ultimately ending insurgency in the province.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
