Tacloban City, Aug. 12 -- Local officials in the town of San Jose de Buan, historically known as a hotbed of communist rebel activity in Samar, have signed a document renouncing support for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

According to the Army's 87th Infantry Battalion (IB), the signing of the affidavit of commitment during the 2025 Local Peace Engagement forum on Monday is a powerful display of unity and commitment to lasting peace.

"This forum is not just an event; it's a movement. San Jose de Buan stands firm in its mission to build resilient, insurgency-free communities through dialogue, trust, and genuine collaboration," the army unit said in a statement on Tuesday....