TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 17 -- The town of Matuguinao, Samar maintained its insurgency-free status two months after the official declaration due to the vigilance of residents in preventing the re-entry of rebels in communities, a local government official said Monday.

Mayor Aran Boller said in a phone interview that the residents' early reporting, coupled with the swift response of government forces, prevented the group from regaining a foothold in the affected barangays.

"This willingness to speak up and report suspicious activities is an important part of protecting the peace the community has worked to achieve," Boller said.

The official was referring to the Aug. 14 incident where villagers helped foil a reported attempt by communist re...