PALOMPON, May 17 -- The towns of Palompon and Matag-ob in Leyte were declared completely free from the influence of the New People's Army (NPA) on Friday, the first two municipalities in the province to attain such status.

With no sightings of armed rebels for several years now, the towns achieved the insurgency-free status, officially as stable internal peace and security.

The military and local government held the declaration in Palompon in the morning, while Matag-ob's event was in the afternoon.

"We are happy that we are the pioneering area declared to have stable internal peace and security. This will encourage businessmen to invest in Palompon," Mayor Ramon Onate said.

The last two villages reportedly influenced by the NPA in Pa...