THE 10TH Infantry Division reports that the Davao region remains peaceful and stable, with no recorded New People’s Army (NPA) atrocities or recruitment activities since the region was declared insurgency-free.
“Region XI remains the safest region against CTG (communist terrorist group) atrocities,” Major Ruben Gadut, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, told reporters on Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
“We have not recorded any violent activities, harassment, extortion, or recruitment in Sitios. This is due to the extensive deployment of our Community Support and Sustainment teams, Community Development teams, and combat groups conducting focused military operations,” Gadut said.
This stability has led to recent successes, including the apprehension of Ruel Villanueva Cabales, Secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
Cabales, the highest-ranking official of the SMRC, was arrested in a joint AFP-PNP operation in Cotabato City on November 16th.
“This arrest is significant and highlights our efforts in neutralizing key leaders within the remnants of the SMRC,” he added. “On October 3rd, Profierio Tuna, the deputy secretary, was also arrested. These arrests demonstrate our commitment to completely defeating the SMRC.”
With the apprehension of these high-ranking officials, the SMRC’s membership has dwindled. “From 20 members, the SMRC is now down to 17,” Gadut confirmed.
Efforts to encourage remaining members to surrender are ongoing.
“We utilize radio stations like Radyo Amigo to discuss the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), its phases, benefits, and include testimonies from former rebels,” the military officer explained.
“However, the most effective approach is to locate, identify, and engage these individuals within their communities. We are actively working to connect with them through their friends and families. Intelligence monitoring suggests that many of those remaining are considering surrender, and we are providing opportunities for them to do so,” Gadut further said.
Photo by Bing Gonzales
