ILIGAN CITY – Brigadier Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, has declared the military's success in dismantling all the guerrilla fronts that had been hindering the development efforts in Zamboanga Del Norte.
BGen Nicolas made the declaration during the quarterly meeting held at the Cultural and Sports Complex in Estaka, Dipolog City on April 20, 2022.
“We have no more guerrilla fronts or any entity in the province that is affecting our peace and security,” said BGen Nicolas, citing that most of the communist terrorist group (CTG) members who have surrendered are now living peacefully.
“We are currently preparing them for their reintegration into mainstream society. Psychosocial and livelihood assistance are given to all the former rebels who are currently situated at the halfway houses,” said Nicolas.
The last guerrilla front operating in the province was dismantled earlier this month.
The Army’s declaration of the province as insurgency-free was seconded by Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Uy.
Governor Uy said this declaration was based upon the recommendation of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) after rigorous implementation of programs and projects in the 25 priority barangays of different municipalities in the province.
Meanwhile, a peace rally participated by the former rebels was held at dawn Wednesday in support to the 44th and 97th Infantry Battalions under the 102nd Infantry Brigade.
Mass parade, burning of CTG's flags, sharing of testimonies by selected former rebels and pledge of allegiance to the flag and country highlighted the activity.
Ka Ason, who had served the CTG for 34 years, testified she was indoctrinated with the false belief that she will be killed by the government forces once she surrenders or once apprehended.
The testimonies of the former rebels sum up the ill repute of the communist terrorist group. The barbarians indoctrinated the vulnerable groups of society with false ideologies and exploited them.
Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio commended the troops under the 102Bde for its laudable accomplishment.
“Zamboanga del Norte is now free from atrocities that hinder development,” said Ponio.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, attributed this success to good governance and multi-sector alliance.
“This proves that convergence is the key to peace and progress. Let us maintain our good relationship and sustain the peace in the communities,” the three-star general added.