CAMP LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN, SAMAR - Gen Jovito Palparan Jr, Commanding General, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army is a threat to insurgency not a threat to democracy as some individuals or groups claim.

His name alone is more than enough to send shivers to insurgents and other left leaning organizations not only in Region VIII but throughout the country. These people don't appreciate the decisiveness and sincerity of the General to eliminate the insurgency problems, which is affecting the economic development of the nation.

But only those who are involved in insurgency and affected by these programs are the ones complaining while majority of the civilian populace, previously deceived by the insurgents, claimed otherwise. A testament of this is the recently concluded Peace Forum held in Calbiga, Samar where the local officials and populace denounced the atrocities and the problems brought by the NPA at the same time showed their commitment and support to the Philippine Army and the government's programs.

Another example is Catbalogan, Samar which is now enjoying a relatively peaceful atmosphere never before experienced by the people in their lives. Ordinary civilians, businessmen, and the like now go to their routine without fear of being threatened and extorted by the NPA terrorists. They now realized that they were just being used by the insurgents to further their cause.

Finally, as your Army in Region VIII, it is our mandated duty to guard the people of Eastern Visayas against the CPP/NPA/NDF threats of insurgency so that we could achieve a lasting peace and economic development in the region.