DSWD DROMIC Report #9 on the Armed Conflict in Lanao del Norte as of 13 March 2024, 6AM

Posted to Relief Web (Mar 13, 2024): DSWD DROMIC Report #9 on the Armed Conflict in Lanao del Norte as of 13 March 2024, 6AM

Format: Situation Report 

 Source:Govt. Philippines 

Origin: View original

Download Report(PDF | 347.46 KB)

I. Situation Overview

On 16 February 2024, an armed conflict transpired in Brgy. Pantao, Munai, Lanao del Norte between Dawlah Islamiyah – Maute Group (DI-MG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which resulted in the displacement of families and individuals in the area and the nearby Municipality of Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.

Another armed encounter occurred between the two (2) groups in Brgy. Lindongan and Brgy. Matampay in the Municipality of Munai, Lanao del Norte on 18 February 2024 and 21 February 2024, respectively.

Source: DSWD Field Office (FO) X

II. Status of Affected Areas and Population

A total of 770 families or 3,641 persons are affected in eight (8) barangays in Lanao del Norte (see Annex A).

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-dromic-report-9-armed-conflict-lanao-del-norte-13-march-2024-6am

PH Army’s large-scale drills to simulate defense vs foreign invasion

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 13, 2024): PH Army’s large-scale drills to simulate defense vs foreign invasion (By: John Eric Mendoza)

MANILA, Philippines — Due to the government’s shift of focus to external defense, the Philippine Army’s first-ever large-scale exercise will involve a simulation of defense against foreign invasions.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said the ongoing Combined Army Training Exercise (Catex) entails large-scale formations, moving units from Visayas and Mindanao to Luzon to “simulate a possible security situation that someone will occupy our country.”

“We are doing this so that our units can practice their new duty to defend our land,” Galido said in Filipino during a public briefing.

Galido also said these drills will include how to sustain the provisions of large-scale deployment.

The Catex Katihan, held in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac since March 11, will involve around 4,000 to 5,000 troops from Army units in Visayas and Mindanao.

This exercise comes as Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. ordered the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) to develop the country’s capability to protect and secure its entire territory and exclusive economic zone.

READ: Military begins implementation of new archipelagic defense strategy

The CADC is also in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive for the armed forces to focus on external defense.

The Philippine military is still dealing with the communist insurgency nationwide and jihadists primarily in Mindanao.

However, it said that the New People’s Army has significantly weakened, while terrorist groups in Mindanao like the Islamic State-linked Daulah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf Group are also diminishing.

READ: ‘Removal of PH ship, BDM reclamation a red line China shouldn’t cross’

The government is now zeroing in on the dispute between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea, with maritime activities in Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal becoming the flashpoint of tension between both countries.

Increased military presence and the development of military structures are also being planned in Batanes, the northernmost island province facing Taiwan.

The Philippines also gave the United States access to its three military bases in the northern parts of the country relatively near the self-ruled island which China believes to be a renegade state subject to reunification.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1918201/armys-large-scale-drills-to-simulate-defense-vs-foreign-invasion

Army: NPA spreading black propaganda

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 9, 2024): Army: NPA spreading black propaganda (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division slammed remnants of the New People’s Army and its affiliated organizations, for concocting stories to accuse and malign the security forces, in order to gain sympathy of the people and win back dwindling popular support.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said the black propaganda was done on purpose, to keep alive the dying spirit of the remaining NPA members.

Sison said the accusation of alleged human rights violations and the disproportionate use of military power are a desperate propaganda and disinformation campaign thrown at them by the rebel remnants.

They are designed to twist public perception on the success of military and police operations in order to discredit our security forces, he said.

Sison said the NPA and its allies are known for peddling false information, especially when they are in a disadvantageous situation, to conceal their defeat and looming end.

“As protectors of peace and the communities, our government forces maintain a high level of professionalism and consistently observe, uphold and protect human rights, the International Humanitarian and the Rule of Law in all of our endeavors and operations, at all times,” he stressed.

Sison also attributed the improving peace and security landscape and success of the government’s campaign against terrorism in Visayas region to EO70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict and the continued implementation of Localized Peace Engagements (LPEs) and Support to Barangay Development Programs (SBDPs).

This mechanism is implemented in full force and proven effective in liberating conflict-ridden areas from the shackles of insurgency and converting them into more conflict-resilient communities, he further said.

Negros Island was recently declared in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security by the respective Joint Peace Security Coordinating Committees of the two provinces, as concurred by their Provincial Peace and Order Councils.*

https://visayandailystar.com/army-npa-spreading-black-propaganda/

Negros Island next to be declared ‘SIPS’ – 3ID chief

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 11, 2024): Negros Island next to be declared ‘SIPS’ – 3ID chief (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, in tandem with its partners and stakeholders, is eyeing to facilitate the declaration of Negros Island as in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be invited as the guest of honor and speaker, disclosed its commander, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison.

This follows the provincial governments of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental having been both declared provinces under SIPS status, on March 6, and 7, respectively, as recommended by their Provincial Peace and Order Councils.

If all will fall into place as planned, and with the current peace and security landscape, we, along with our partners and stakeholders, will facilitate the declaration of Negros Island as “SIPS.” By then, we will invite no less than our President to grace this important milestone in the history of Negros, Sison said, in statement issued by the 3ID Public Affairs Office.

This is in fulfillment of the President’s desire to come back and he himself declare Negros as “insurgency free” – a wish he intimated during his visit at 3ID headquarters, last year,” he recalled.

In an approved resolution, the Negros Occidental PPOC chaired by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacsonsaid that they recognized peace and order as a key factor in the continuous development process of every city and municipality, for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable progress in the province.

Also cited in the PPOC resolution were various conditions which served as the basis for the declaration, including the overwhelming support of all cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental to the government’s effort against insurgency; passing of resolutions by the cities and municipalities declaring Neg Occ in a “SIPS” status in all their respective areas and barangays; and the dismantling of all the remaining Guerilla Fronts (GFs) in the province, among others.

Sison said the speedy and timely approval of the PPOC resolution to declare Neg Occidental in a state of “SIPS” is one testament of the unwavering resolve of the provincial local government to end local communist armed conflict in the province.

“This declaration is a manifestation of the strong collaboration and solid partnership of the government forces, local government units, government agencies, private sector, and the people of Negros Occidental to achieve a common goal – a province with Stable Internal Peace and Security,” he stressed.*

https://visayandailystar.com/negros-island-next-to-be-declared-sips-3id-chief/

Troops sustain onslaught vs. CPP-NPA

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 13, 2024): Troops sustain onslaught vs. CPP-NPA (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command reported that government troops sustained their onslaught against the New People’s Army in the Visayas region.

During the Visayas Joint Peace and Security Coordination Center (VJPSCC) meeting held at Camp Lapu Lapu in Cebu City, it was reported that three NPA ground units were successfully dismantled early this year, including the Regional Strike Force (RSF) of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor (KR NCBS), the ELCON Platoon of Sub-Regional Committee Browser (SRC Browser), and Platoon 1 of Island Committee Levox (IC Levox), both under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

In a statement, VISCOM chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo said that the continuous reduction of NPA manpower due to the surrenders and neutralization through government-initiated armed encounters, and the degradation of their firepower, coupled with the loss of their mass base, led to the collapse of the three NPA ground units.

The RSF of KR NCBS in Negros Island served as the augmentation forces of guerilla fronts in Negros, which was declared as dismantled by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Arevalo attributed the success to the iron-clad partnership between and among the security forces in the region.

“Our iron-clad partnership and continued support with each other proved to be too much for the CPP-NPA, as our collective efforts continue to drag down the terrorist group to a point of their imminent defeat,” he added.

From January to date, VISCOM reported that it has neutralized 52 NPA rebels, where 19 died in a series of encounters, 29 surrendered, while four others were apprehended. In the same period, 66 firearms were seized by government troops.

“The continuous fall of their leaders and the absence of support from the community significantly contributed to the continuous breakdown of the terrorist group. Their members on the ground have no direction and they are tired and weary, as we continue our pursuit with our focused military operations and law enforcement operations,” Arevalo further said.

While much has been achieved in our campaign against the CPP-NPA, “this is exactly the reason why we cannot stop,” the Army general said.

“We will sustain our efforts and keep up our momentum to prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group, and ensure the security and well-being of our people in the region,” Arevalo further said.*

https://visayandailystar.com/troops-sustain-onslaught-vs-cpp-npa/

Rebel arms cache unearthed in Escalante

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 14, 2024): Rebel arms cache unearthed in Escalante (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Assorted firearms and ammunition allegedly owned by the dismantled Northern Negros Front, unearthed by Army soldiers in Brgy. Washington, Escalante City.* 79IB photo

The Army 79th Infantry Battalion reported yesterday the discovery of firearms, ammunition, and an explosive, believed to have been buried by New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Mocabog, Brgy. Washington, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, said the discovery of buried war materials, composed of a caliber .38 revolver, a homemade 12-gauge with four ammunition, a 400mm ammunition for M203 grenade launcher, about 100 rounds of ammunition, a KMP flag, and a camouflage uniform, was in response to information relayed by residents in the area.

Calaoagan reported that the arms cache is believed to have been buried by remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front.

Last month, 20 firearms were also recovered by the 79IB after a series of encounters with rebel remnants in Brgy. Pinapugasan, Escalante City, that left three suspected rebels dead, and inflicted slight injuries on four Army soldiers.

Calaoagan said that the timely and reliable information from residents signifies their disgust and hatred over NPA atrocities and evil propaganda.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-arms-cache-unearthed-in-escalante/

EastMinCom gives soldiers until March 31 to end NPAs

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 14, 2024): EastMinCom gives soldiers until March 31 to end NPAs
(By RHODA GRACE SARON)

 


THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) targets to defeat the remaining three guerilla fronts under its area of responsibility no later than March 31 this year.

The declaration came in the wake of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr’s order to ground commanders to destroy the remaining 11 guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA) across the country.

Speaking at Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, EastMinCom spokesperson Col Maria Rosa Manuel said the command continuously holds relentless military operations and collaborates with stakeholders and local government units to destroy the remaining guerilla fronts.

“Even before the directive of chief of staff General Romeo Brawner, the directives of EastMinCom chief, Lt Gen Greg Almerol, is clear. In fact, just like what Major (10th ID Public Affairs Office chief Mark Anthony) Tito said that, currently, the Joint Task Force Agila or 10th ID is confronting one weakened guerilla front while two in Joint Task Force Diamond or 4th Infantry Division,” Col. Manuel said.

She said they are only waiting for “the announcement regarding the three weakened guerilla fronts” since only a few left (of the rebels).”

Based on the Army’s record as of January to date, there are 62 NPAs neutralized [killed, arrested, surrendered], 60 firearms recovered, and 13 anti-personnel landmines dismantled.

“We are still looking forward to it continuing as there are major operations in the joint operational areas,” she further said.

Meanwhile, Tito said four infantry brigades are presently engaging the communist guerrillas to ensure they don’t return to the cleared communities.

“Our focus is the mandate for us to defeat the last remaining front in Bukidnon not later than March 31 this year,” Tito said.” That’s why we have doubled our efforts, especially on our troops operating in Bukidnon area to dismantle the Weakened Guerilla Front 57,” he added.

Fortunately, the 10th ID managed to sustain the insurgency-free status of the Davao Region as they recorded zero violent incidents perpetrated by the communist terrorist group.

“We are proud that the 10ID, together with the PNP and other agencies, especially the Police Regional Office 11 received a plaque for recognition for sustaining the gains in Davao Region,” Tito said.

High-ranking leader surrenders to Army

Meanwhile, a communist rebel leader and three fighters surrendered to the 30th Infantry Battalion under the 901st Infantry Brigade in Surigao del Norte on March 11.

The military identified her as Juanita Leyson, also known as Kikay, and three other members as Rajem Pertos, Jezalyn Platil, and Pegi Diaz.

Captain Jonel Castillo, the Civil-Military Operations officer of the 901st IB, said Leyson was the secretary of Sub Regional Command Northland of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Leyson is the wife of the late prominent rebel leader, Rolando Leyson, who also played a crucial role as a finance officer.

Castillo said her decision to surrender would cripple the group’s extortion activities in Surigao del Norte and neighboring provinces, thus weakening the financial backbone of the communist terrorist group to fund its criminal operations in the region.

Leyson also turned over two high-powered firearms, magazines, thousands of ammunition, bulletproof vests, and various war materials.

Brigadier General Arsenio DC Sadural, commander of the 901st Brigade said, “The surrender of the SRC secretary and her comrades signifies a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity wherein these provinces can now focus on facilitating uninterrupted delivery of services in the countryside where the armed group had terrorized for the longest time.”

The 901st Infantry Brigade covers the entire Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, the northern part of Agusan Del Norte, the northern part of Surigao del Sur, and the northern part of Agusan del Sur.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/eastmincom-gives-soldiers-until-march-31-to-end-npas/

No reason for NPA to celebrate 55th anniversary: 10th ID spox

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 15, 2024): No reason for NPA to celebrate 55th anniversary: 10th ID spox (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE 10TH Infantry Division said the New People’s Army (NPA) has no reason to celebrate its 55th founding anniversary on March 29.

During the AFP-PNP press briefing on Wednesday at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Major Mark Anthony Tito, the division’s spokesperson, said the rebel group’s capability to sow terror in Davao Region has been severely crippled.

“They are also incapable of conducting any atrocities in our Davao Region. But even so, we do not lower our guards. We are not complacent. The security level of our army remains high,” he added.

Tito added that they are preparing for the 137th anniversary of the Philippine Army on March 22 rather than remembering the activity of the rebel group.

Nevertheless, the four infantry brigades are currently conducting combat operations, including community visitation, to prevent the re-entry of the communist terrorists on cleared barangays.

“Our focus is the mandate for us to defeat the last remaining front in Bukidnon not later than March 31 this year,” Tito said.” That’s why we have doubled our efforts, especially for our troops operating in Bukidnon area to dismantle the Weakened Guerilla Front 57.”

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/no-reason-for-npa-to-celebrate-55th-anniversary-10th-id-spox/

FACT CHECK | Application is free: Philippine Army warns aspiring soldiers of fake FB recruitment page

From MindaNews (Mar 12, 2024): FACT CHECK | Application is free: Philippine Army warns aspiring soldiers of fake FB recruitment page

MindaNews fact-checked a Facebook page recruiting candidates in Mindanao to the Philippine Army that is cloning the real page.

The fake page copied the contents of Facebook page Army Recruitment Office Mindanao to scam recruits.

======

The Philippine Army had warned applicants on March 8 that there is a fake version of Facebook page Army Recruitment Office Mindanao, and urged the public to report the bogus page to

Facebook so it can take it down and stop victimizing more soldier-applicants.

The fake account, which uses the same Facebook page name Army Recruitment Office Mindanao, has 37K likes and 57K followers as of Tuesday, March 12. Its listed address is Camp Evangelista Patag cagayan de oro city (sic), Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

As of March 12, the official Army Recruitment Office Mindanao whose handle is https://www.facebook.com/AROMinTheOnlyOfficialPage, has 21K likes and 34K followers. Its listed address is Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, home of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, which separately warned the public of the existence of the fake page.

Screenshot of Army Recruitment Office Mindanao official Facebook page

The fake page has more likes and followers than the official page.

On March 8, the official Army Recruitment Office Mindanao (ARO Mindanao) warned in a post written in Filipino, about the existence of the fake Facebook page, which it said collects payments from applicants.

“Babala! May kumakalat na pekeng Army Recruitment Facebook Page na naglalayong manamantala sa mga aplikante ng Philippine Army (Beware! There’s a fake Army Recruitment Facebook Page that’s scamming applicants to the Philippine Army),” the Army Recruitment Office Mindanao announced.

“Muli, nais po naming ipaalala na libre and aplikasyon sa Philippine Army (We would like to reiterate that application to the Philippine Army is free),” it added.

Sergeant Genefe Lagapa, ARO Mindanao assistant administrative non-commissioned officer, said the fake page has victimized a number of young soldier aspirants from Mindanao.

The suspect, who identifies himself as “Techncial Sergeant Mijares,” collects between P250 and P2,500 “based on the complaints that we received from the victims, the amount depending on the case. The suspect accepts payments through GCash using various accounts,” Lagapa told MindaNews on the phone on Tuesday, March 12.

For those who want to be inserted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test because the quota is already full, the payment is P250, while for those overaged but really want to become a candidate soldier, the suspect demands P2,500, she said.

One of the victims, who personally reported to ARO Mindanao that he was scammed, is from Samar province in the Visayas, Lagapa said, adding “they lost count of the number of victims, mostly from Mindanao, who reported their complaints online or through phone calls.”

The 4ID shared on its Facebook page an English version of the same warning, a few hours after the Army Recruitment Office Mindanao posted it on March 8.

“There’s a fake Army Recruitment Page copying the contents of the legitimate one to scam the applicants,” it said.

“Let us take action to shut down the fake page and protect everyone so as not to be a victim of such illegal activity,” it added.

As of 4:43 p.m. on March 12, the fake Facebook page has not been taken down.

The 4ID urged the public to stand united against scams and frauds, and safeguard the trust and the well-being of community members.

As with all our other reports, MindaNews welcomes leads or suggestions from the public to potential fact-check stories. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2024/03/fact-check-application-is-free-philippine-army-warns-aspiring-soldiers-of-fake-fb-recruitment-page/

Aurora naval facility to secure PH Rise, boost archipelagic defense

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2024): Aurora naval facility to secure PH Rise, boost archipelagic defense (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ENHANCING ARCHIPELAGIC DEFENSE. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (left) visits a naval detachment of the Naval Installations and Facilities - Northern Luzon in Casiguran, Aurora on Thursday (March 14, 2024). The facility is expected to help protect the Philippine Rise and improve the country's defenses through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Posture. (Photo courtesy of the DND)

MANILA – The naval detachment in the province of Aurora will greatly enhance the country's capability to protect its maritime interests in the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) and improve its defense posture.

This came as Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. visited a detachment of the Naval Installations and Facilities - Northern Luzon (NIF-NL) in the town of Casiguran, together with other ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"The naval detachment, constructed and facilitated in cooperation with the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), will boost the AFP's presence in the area and enhance security in the Philippine Rise and Philippine Sea in line with the country's CADC (Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Posture)," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday night.

Teodoro also met with director Maria Cristina G. Suaverdez of the APECO Board of Directors, along with the officers of NIF-NL, to discuss continuing efforts to guarantee the country’s control over resources in the Philippine Rise, Andolong added.

Completed in May 2022, the facility has a typhoon-resilient main building with complete amenities, a radio room, and an armory, all situated in a 5,362.50-square-meter space.

In a forum in January, Teodoro said the CADC would allow the military to protect and guarantee Filipinos, local corporations, and those authorized by the Philippine government an unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and other areas that are within its jurisdiction.

"In plain language, we are developing our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and EEZ in order to ensure that our people and all the generations of Filipinos to come shall freely reap and enjoy the bounties of the natural resources that are rightfully ours within our domain," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220873

Blinken visit to reaffirm alliance; economic resiliency high on agenda

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2024): Blinken visit to reaffirm alliance; economic resiliency high on agenda (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (File photo)

MANILA – Discussions on ways to strengthen the Philippines and the United States’ economic resiliency will be high on the agenda of State Secretary Antony Blinken’s anticipated Manila visit next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

The US top diplomat will travel to Manila from March 18 to 19 and meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“Among the range of key issues to be tackled, the broadening and deepening of cooperation in the economic sphere will be high on the agenda,” the DFA said.

“Discussions will highlight efforts to promote trade and investments and a common resolve to sustain economic resiliency as an essential component of national security.”

Manalo and Blinken are expected to focus on clean and renewable energy development, semiconductors, and the digital economy, among others.

This is the second time Blinken is visiting the country, which comes less than a week after the visit of the US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) to the Philippines led by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

During the PTIM visit from March 11 to 12, American companies announced more than USD1 billion of investments in the Philippines.

In a virtual press briefing Thursday, Raimondo said these US companies are committed just as the Philippines makes “necessary changes in the regulatory structure, cutting red tape, (and) being against corruption, being a transparent government.”

The DFA said Manalo and Blinken would also discuss overall bilateral cooperation in the context of regional issues, including peace and stability in the South China Sea.

In a separate readout, the State Department said the visit would reaffirm Washington DC’s “unwavering commitment” to its alliance with Manila.

“The Secretary’s visit will also underscore the importance of our strong bilateral ties, which for 75 years have been critical to advancing our shared vision for a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220877

Surigao del Norte declared 'insurgency-free'

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2024): Surigao del Norte declared 'insurgency-free' (By Alexander Lopez)

PEACE. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (6th and 7th from left) lead the declaration of Surigao del Norte province as insurgency-free on Friday (March 15, 2024). Thirty former rebels also recited oaths of allegiance to the government. (Photo courtesy of PIA-Surigao del Norte)

SURIGAO CITY – The province of Surigao del Norte is now free from insurgency, national and local officials declared Friday.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Development Council of Surigao del Norte approved a joint resolution earlier this month, which led to the formal announcement.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Governor Roberto Lyndon Barbers joined the event.

"Just like in other areas in Mindanao, it's the people who openly declared that they no longer want insurgency. This is the most important thing that happened here, the declaration of the people," Teodoro said.

Barbers said the challenge remains to maintain and sustain the internal peace and security, "with the valuable support of the national government."

He led the oath of allegiance to the government of 30 former New People's Army (NPA) combatants.

Pablo Lugatiman, known in the underground movement as "Ka Lucas," made a testimony after the oathtaking, detailing how he was recruited by the NPA in 2004 until he surrendered in 2022.

Lugatiman lauded the government programs and services for the former rebels, saying that these have allowed them to renew their lives and settle back peacefully with their families in their communities.

With the support of local officials and government agencies, Teodoro said sustained government programs and services will help convince the remaining communist rebels to go back to mainstream society.

"This is also important for us because of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mandate to the DND to create a multi-threat armed force capable of addressing both internal and external threats," Teodoro said.

DND is now concentrating on "reorienting, retraining, reequipping, and re-strategizing" the management and operations of the armed forces, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220896