ALMOST 2,000 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) either surrendered or killed in military offensives, as the 10th Infantry Division declared 71 barangays free from the grip of communist influence.
Maj. Gen. Reuben Basiao, the commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said in his report that they neutralized 1,920 rebels, captured 513 high- and low-powered firearms, and 156 improvised explosives.
The report was presented to the Multi-Sector Advisory and Action Group, chaired by Ednar Dayanghirang during its regular meeting through a video teleconference held at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Davao De Oro last Feb. 23.
“The 10th Infantry Division continues to champion peace and development as it brings livelihood, through peace initiatives uplifting lives together with local government units, line government agencies, and stakeholders throughout Davao Region and some parts of Sarangani, and Bukidnon area under its area of responsibility,” Basiao said.
Under the helm of the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict, also known as Executive Order no 70, he said they have significantly reduced the capability of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee and Far Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, leaving only 45 barangays still influenced by their control.
Other accomplishments
In 2020, 402 people’s organizations were established by the Army, including 403 quick-impact projects that linked local government units and far-flung communities.
In addition, the Division bolstered the community’s defense system through the establishment of the Integrated Territorial Defense System that includes organizing the Bagani or Indigenous People’s forces as an integral part of ITDS in IP communities.
Moreover, the Division also provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in coordination with government agencies that benefited more than 16,000 persons, with five relief operations catering to 16,450 individuals.
The 10ID initiated relief operations in some parts of Davao Oriental, Surigao Sur, and Aguan Sur after experiencing flash floods.
The division commander highlighted the importance of the close ties of the Army and stakeholders in achieving the common goal as an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of Executive Order 70.
In ensuring the continues flow of progress, the Agila Division conducted critical infrastructure protection operations to secure vital government and private infrastructure projects.
From arms to farms, the Agila Division also received accreditation from the Department of Agriculture Agricultural Training Institute XI of the two community development learning sites located at the demo farm of the 10ID headquarters in Mawab, Davao De Oro, and the demo farm of the 72nd Infantry Battalion in Magpet, North Cotabato.
Basiao said that despite their accomplishments, there’s a lot of work to do in ending the five-decade-long insurgency affecting the lives of the vulnerable Indigenous People in the hinterlands while urging partner stakeholders to continue its support towards peace and development.
“These accomplishments and milestones were not only brought about by our dedication to our mandate in serving the people and securing the land but with the untiring support and whole-hearted commitment of our partner-stakeholders,” MGen Basiao said.
“However there is still a lot of work to be done especially in hastening the defeat of CPP-NPA terrorists. We urge our partner-stakeholders to continue supporting the endeavors in finally ending insurgency and creating an environment conducive to peace and development,” Basiao further said.
