SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon, became the first municipality in Region X to be declared insurgency-free through a joint effort by local authorities, Indigenous communities, security forces, and stakeholders.
During the AFP-PNP press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on May 29, Major Ruben Gadut, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the official declaration occurred on May 28 at Barangay Halapitan Municipal Gymnasium.
This follows Resolution No. 26, Series of 2024, which confirmed the dismantling of the last NPA unit operating in the area, the Sub-Regional, Sentro-de-Gabidad (SRSDG) Peddler of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
Gadut said the SRSDG Peddler was the last NPA unit operating in the municipality of San Fernando following the dismantling of Guerilla Front 55 on Dec. 14, 2021, and Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 5 on Dec. 6, 2022.
In a message delivered by Brigadier General Marion Angcao on behalf of Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10ID, he emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation to clear the town of rebels.
Hambala said declaring the town insurgency-free sets the stage for economic growth, social development, and improved quality of life for its inhabitants.
During his address, San Fernando Mayor Rogelio Reke said the invaluable contributions of the 89th, 48th, and 56th Infantry Battalions of the 10th Infantry Division to the achievements of San Fernando.
“I urged the residents of San Fernando, the 10th Infantry Division, and former rebels to collaborate closely in preserving the insurgency-free status, paving the way for enduring peace and development in the future” he added.
San Fernando, among the ten municipalities of Southern Bukidnon under the jurisdiction of 10ID, officially became part of the 89th Infantry Battalion’s area of operation on Oct. 1, 2023, following Joint Task Force Agila Operational Directive 04-2023 dated Sept. 29, 2023.
