The military’s fight against communist insurgency made a huge leap after Davao Occidental was officially declared as an “insurgency-free” province while 251 rebel-returnees in Bukidnon received financial aid amounting to P11.8 million on Thursday, August 18.
In Davao Occidental, the provincial government and the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) jointly proclaimed the province as free from any influence of communist groups along with the unveiling of a Legislative Building at the Provincial Capitol in Malita town.
The declaration followed after Guerilla Front Tala, a New People’s Army (NPA) unit operating in Davao Occidental, was officially dismantled by the military and police.
According to the military, Guerilla Front Tala had a total of 43 manpower and 89 firepower which affected five barangays since 2016. Now, the guerilla front had been totally destroyed with zero manpower, firepower, and influence to any village, the military added.
Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10ID commander, read the Provincial Peace and Order Council Resolution Number 04 series of 2022 which proclaimed Davao Occidental as “insurgency-Free.”
“I tip my hat off to our security forces, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, who painstakingly worked hard with the Local Government and the populace to free the province of Davao Occidental from insurgency. I am confident that more development initiatives will spur profound progress in the province and improve further the people’s living conditions.” Department of National Defense (DND) Officer in Charge Jose Faustino Jr. said in a message delivered by Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom).
Meanwhile in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, 251 former rebels received a total of P11.8 million in assistance thru the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) after they surrendered to the 403rd Infantry Brigade.
Each of them received P15,000 as an immediate financial assistance, according to Col. Ted Dumosmog, officer-in-charge of 403rd Infantry Brigade.
Meanwhile, 120 former rebels also received an additional P50,000 as livelihood assistance while 68 others were given an additional P30,000 as firearms remuneration.
"The government is determined to end this local communist armed conflict. We are so grateful that you finally decided to be back to the folds of the law and choose to live peacefully and harmoniously in the community with your families,” Dumosmog told the former rebels.
He urged them to use the financial assistance from the government to restart their lives and help the community by being productive citizens.
“We ask you to help the government by compelling your comrades who are still active in the armed struggle in the mountains and informing them of the government's E-CLIP program. May this activity serve as an inspiration to others to avail the E-CLIP. Together, we can end insurgency," he added.
Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Neil P. Roque graced the activity and led the oath of allegiance of the former rebels to the Government of Bukidnon.