DAVAO CITY – The provincial government of Davao de Oro has reaffirmed its status as a model for peace and stability in Mindanao, celebrating three consecutive years as an insurgency-free province, a milestone officials credited to inclusive governance, sustained community engagement, and decisive military strategy.

Outgoing Gov. Dorothy Gonzaga, in a speech, lauded the collective efforts of the local government units, military, police, and other law enforcement units, multi-stakeholders, and residents for sustaining the gains of the past years.

“Peace is more than ending armed struggle. It’s about restoring trust, dignity, and opportunity in communities long neglected. We’ve worked to ensure that former rebels are not only reintegrated but empowered to live meaningful lives, Gonzaga said as the province celebrated its third year of peace on June 17.

Declared insurgency-free in June 2022, Davao de Oro became the first province in the Davao region to successfully dismantle all active guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army.

The move paved the way for the region-wide declaration of an insurgency-free Davao by the end of 2023.

The provincial government recognized Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, then-commander of the Philippine Army 1001st Infantry Brigade, for being part of the province's transformation.

He led the campaign that pushed back the NPA’s influence, dismantling what was once 12 active guerrilla units operating in the area.

Durante said in a statement that liberating Davao de Oro from the NPA was not just a military victory, but was the result of careful planning, consistent effort, and strong collaboration with local governments and communities until the rebel groups failed to reclaim any ground in the province.

He emphasized that the final blow to insurgency in the province came with the withdrawal of the Guerrilla Front 2, the oldest NPA unit in Mindanao. He said the departure of the unit marked the collapse of their remaining foothold in the area.

Prior to the province's liberation, Davao de Oro accounted for eight percent of the country’s insurgent presence, according to data in 2022.

Of the 55 known NPA-affiliated groups nationwide, nearly a third were in Mindanao, with the Davao region hosting almost half of them.

A humane and principled approach played a key role in encouraging rebel returnees to embrace peace. All our operations were carried out with respect for human dignity. Compassion, fairness, and a commitment to reintegration were guiding principles for every soldier on the ground,” Durante said.

The Army said the local government's work is far from over as Davao de Oro looks ahead. He added that the focus now shifts to sustaining the peace through long-term development, continued vigilance, and the strengthening of community resilience.

Davao de Oro has transitioned into a province marked by stability, cooperation, and sustained progress. Through multi-stakeholder collaboration and strategic governance, it is now shaping a future defined not by strife, but by unity, resilience, and a firm commitment to preserving hard-earned peace, Durante said.

Among the cornerstone programs of the provincial government that assisted not only in maintaining peace and order but also the lives of these people in the province were:

• Pagpalahutay Framework – a peacebuilding approach that integrates social services, livelihood support, and education into conflict recovery.

• Kamustahan sa Barangay and Tunol Serbisyo Para sa Katawhan, which deliver government services directly to remote and former conflict-affected areas.

• Educational scholarships for families of surrendering rebels.

• Livelihood initiatives and organizational support for marginalized groups.

•Sectoral programs targeting women, youth, and indigenous communities.