The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was elated with the declaration of Davao Region (Region 11) as an "insurgency-free" region.
Col. Medel Aguilar, acting AFP spokesperson, said the military leadership commends the troops of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) and the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) for "a job well done that resulted in the declaration of the whole Davao region as insurgency-free."
Aguilar said Davao Region was deemed free from the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), after the dismantling of all 15 guerilla fronts, neutralization and dissolution of the six “Pulang Bagani” commands, other NPA units, and “barangay milisya” or communist supporters in the villages in Region 11.
"The joint resolution signed by the Regional Peace and Order Council composed of Local Chief Executives from various Local Government Units (LGUs) of Region 11 signifies the success of the Whole of Nation approach in ending the insurgency in the area," he said on Friday, Oct. 14.
"The victory belongs to all Davaoeños," Aguilar added.
Under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, the AFP has stepped up its anti-insurgency operations. His predecessors have promised to end insurgency within their term but failed to do so.
In his assumption speech as AFP Chief last August, Bacarro vowed to zero in on communist rebels and other terrorist groups.
"We will be unyielding in ending the insurgency that has plagued our people and fueled poverty in the various sectors of our society," said Bacarro, a Medal of Valor awardee.
Davao Region is composed of five provinces namely Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Davao Occidental.