TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines - The highest Philippine Army (PA) brigade commander in Samar is confident that the truce forced between the military and rebels here will not be violated in his area of operation on Samar Island. Colonel Alex Albano, 801st brigade commander, of the PA's 8th Infantry Division told reporters in an interview in his quarters in Daza, Hinabangan, Samar that he is confident that the 19-day holiday ceasefire will not be violated in his area of operation covering two provinces in the western and eastern parts of Samar Island. Albano's statement was in answer to questions from the media regarding the present peace and order in his area of operation, particularly on whether or not there is possibility that said ceasefire between forces will be violated as have happened in other areas in the country. The PA officer said that at this period, the soldiers under his brigade are only doing the usual internal security operations and no tactical or combat operations are being conducted. He added that based on his decade-long experience in Samar, no ceasefire has ever been violated by either the military or the rebels. Albano also said that as of now, his area of operation is considerably peaceful and that the peace and order situation is currently stabilized after the area has been virtually cleared of elements belonging to rebel armed groups by the military. He told reporters that re-establishing stability, where peace and order is concerned, in Samar Island is "the most tangible achievement" gained by his brigade. In the past, Samar was noted for encounters between the military and rebels belonging to the New People's Army (NPA), the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), operating in the area. Albano informed media that in comparison to frequent skirmishes between the military and the NPA in past years, no major encounters occurred all through 2010.
"The main factor in bringing back stable peace and order here is the cooperation of the people in communities who have helped us solve the peace and order problem in Samar Island," he said. He further explained that his brigade has won back the respect, trust and confidence of the people, particularly since under his command, the PA has intensified efforts in forging a good relationship with people in Samar, particularly in remote rural areas of the island. The military commander further claimed that Samareños, who used to be supportive of the rebels, now report to government security forces where the NPA presence is concerned. "I can tell you that the military has apparently now gained the trust of people in communities here," said Albano.
