THE COMMUNIST armed struggle in the region has ended following the neutralization of key personalities, dismantled rebel groups, and collaborative efforts of the local government units that resulted in the declaration of the region as insurgency free.
This was signed and declared during the Regional Peace and Order Council Committee (RPOC) meeting on Wednesday in Camp Panacan.
In his presentation during the council meeting, Lt. Col Victorino M. Seño, assistant chief of staff for operations, G3 of the 10th Infantry Division, showed that from the year 2016 to the present, the command has conducted 437 military operations, the captured of 1,597 firearms, neutralization of 1,749 NPA regulars, around 9,000 plus Underground Mass Organization (Ugmo) and cleared 401 affected barangays.
Based on the data, four guerilla fronts and Pulang Bagani Command were neutralized in 2019, namely GFs 34, 51, 15, and 25, for the PBC 2 and 3, 6, and 8, respectively.
The remnants created SRGU, so the GF 20 was renamed GF north.
In 2020, the division conducted 42 armed encounters, neutralized 873 NPA regulars, seized 232 firearms, and cleared 61 barangays.
There are three Guerilla fronts, namely 33,71, 56, and one PBC 4 dismantled. The remnants then created a unit under SRC 2 composed of remnants from PBC 6.
For the year 2021, around 17 encounters happened, 479 NPA regulars were neutralized, including Ugmo members, 146 firearms were captured, and 34 barangays were cleared.
The guerilla fronts neutralized were south, north and 55 and one PBC.
For this year, the military recorded 21 encounters, 364 NPA regulars and Ugmo neutralized, 173 firearms and 21 anti-personnel landmines seized, and 21 barangays cleared from NPA affectation.
The four guerilla fronts dismantled were Alip, 2, 3, and 18. Three NPA Sub-Regional Guerrilla Units and Sub-Regional Command 2 were also disbanded.
Overall, with these accomplishments, Davao Region and Davao City have been declared insurgency-free based on the resolution of the regional council, he said.
Seño said, “Attaining this has been one of the most challenging tasks of the 10ID and AFP. The journey has been not been easy.”
“Based on the record, from 21 guerilla fronts down to zero GF and vertical units and affected barangays, we can say that we achieved an insurgency-free Davao region,” he added.
Major General Nolasco Mempin, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said the declaration is a manifestation of the collective victory of all stakeholders to attain internal peace and security in region XI.
“We are very happy and excited and mixed feelings about the declaration of the Davao region as insurgency free,” he said. “As mentioned, we are the third region to be free from insurgents.”
“This means that we could focus more on our core competency and we shift our focus on the external defense. But part of this declaration is the sustainment of how to be able to prevent the CPP NPA from recruiting again possible members,” he added.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, RPOC XI chairman, said the region’s declaration as insurgency free is a green light towards growth and sustainable development.
The local chief executives also thanked the effort of the military and police in the declaration of the region free from insurgents.
PSSCC chief Angel Sumagaysay, reading the message of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, said, “Indeed, we are very grateful to the security sector for pushing for the declaration of Davao City and the first LGU in Davao region to be declared insurgency free.”
“Rest assured that the LGU of Davao will continue to support you in your endeavor and we are thankful to the AFP and PNP for making the city the safest city,” He added.
Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of EastMinCom, Brig Gen Benjamin Silo Jr., director of Police Regional Office 11, military brigade commanders, and local chief executives are.a;sp present during the resolution’s signing.
The military said the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) was organized in the early 1970s and was one of Mindanao’s four regional party committees.
In 1974, two front party branches were established—the eastern front and western front, and their task was to conduct massive recruitments to develop guerrilla units in strategic areas.
Meanwhile, Far South Mindanao Regional Committee (FSMR) was established as part of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s overall efforts to overthrow the government.
Over two decades, the organization continues to progress in their parties, armies and mass base building. Region XI was crucial to the overall agenda of the CPP due to its physical terrain, resources and socio-economic issues. It served as a training ground for NPA units, which explained the different communist-affiliated schools, which brainwashed pupils into fighting the government.
In 2016, the division still confronted the SMRC, headed by Eric John Casilao. The SMRC covers Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and portions of Davao del Sur. The FSMR, under Manuel Hernandez, covers Davao Occidental and parts of Davao del Sur.
At its peak, the FSMR comprised 15 guerilla fronts and four sub-regional committees.
Based on the record, the SMRC and FSMR are composed of 786 fighters, 1,135 firearms, and 190 affected barangays.
The 10th Infantry Division covers the area of Davao region, 2nd district of North Cotabato, Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, all of Sarangani Province, Tampakan in South Cotabato, and Colombio in Sultan Kudarat, Bislig City, Hinatuan, Tagbina, Lingig and parts of Barobo all of Surigao del Sur, parts of Bukidnon (Damulog, Kibawe, Dangcagan, Kitaotao, and eight barangays of San Fernando
Region XI is the third area declared as insurgency free, after Region 1 and Region 9.
