DAVAO CITY—The military on Thursday said at least 16 villages in this city had been cleared of communist rebels, bringing to 49 the number of barangays here freed from the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA) since January. ADVERTISEMENTOfficers from the 1003rd Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, Davao City police and barangay and city officials comprise the ACVB. These are mostly upland communities in the second and third congressional districts and share borders with the provinces of Davao del Norte and Bukidnon. Another requirement is the establishment of a functioning barangay information network and integrated public safety system, Torres said in a statement. He said this development was “another step forward, toward attaining lasting peace” in President Duterte’s home city.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 13, 2018 21:11 UTC