Palace declares State of National Emergency in Bicol Region, Negros and Samar provinces

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 24, 2018

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The president declares state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in the Provinces of Samar, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Bicol Region based on the Memorandum Order Number 32 dated 22 November 2018. This is due to the random occurrence of violence in the mentioned provinces and region perpetrated by lawless elements.

To suppress lawless violence and acts of terror and prevent such violence from spreading and escalating in the Samar Provinces and other part of Region VIII, the 8th Infantry Division in close coordination with the PNP and other law enforcement agencies is strengthening its intelligence capabilities against individuals or groups suspected of, or responsible for, committing or conspiring to commit acts of lawless violence within our area of operations.

Major General Raul M. Farnacio, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, reminded the troops to always religiously adhere to the principles of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.

“To the general public, rest assured that your Army will strictly adhere to the rules and procedures set forth by higher headquarters in the conduct of internal security operations in Eastern Visayas. I urged the communities to be extra vigilant in reporting to the proper authorities the presence of suspected armed groups or individuals that will sow terror in their respective communities,” Farnacio added.