Manila, March 27 -- The town of Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte has been declared as completely free from the influence of the New People's Army (NPA), an army official said Thursday.

With no sightings of armed rebels for several years now, the town has achieved insurgency-free status and officially has stable internal peace and security conditions (SIPC), Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade, said.

Officials led a ceremony on Wednesday to highlight the declarations, which included the signing of memoranda of agreements and pledges of commitment, along with the simultaneous release of white doves, symbolizing peace and new beginnings.

Vestuir lauded the collaborative efforts of the members ...