Manila, Feb. 19 -- Residents and investors in Ilocos Norte benefit from peace and business stability, as the military confirmed the province is still insurgency-free.

"This has been achieved through the help of the provincial government and the concerted efforts of all concerned stakeholders and local communities, not allowing insurgents to enter our province," Lt. Colonel Luis Banoey Jr., commander of the Philippine Army's 77th Infantry Battalion, said in an interview on Thursday.

Over the years, he said the province has remained among the most peaceful in the country, free from the cruelty and intimidation of the communist New People's Army.

On Wednesday, Banoey reported to the Provincial Peace and Order Council on the status of Iloc...