Davao del Sur Declared Insurgency-Free After Successful Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Clearing the Region of Communist Rebels

‍According to the reports, the Davao Regional Peace and Order Council approved a joint resolution in 2022 declaring the entire Davao Region, including Davao del Sur, free of communist insurgents. This declaration came after the province was cleared of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the fourth quarter of 2021.Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, the Eastern Mindanao Command chief, stated that the declaration was the result of relentless military operations conducted in coordination with various government agencies and local government units. These operations successfully "wiped out communist terrorist groups in affected barangays and crumbled all 16 guerrilla fronts under the Southern Mindanao Regional and Far South Mindanao Region committees".The successful operations were a culmination of years of efforts by the military and local authorities to combat the communist insurgency in the region. The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division, in particular, played a crucial role in conducting targeted strikes against NPA strongholds and disrupting their supply lines and recruitment efforts.Sustaining the Insurgency-Free StatusWhile the declaration of Davao del Sur as insurgency-free is a significant milestone, authorities recognize the need to sustain this achievement and prevent the resurgence of communist rebels in the region. Brig. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr., the Police Regional Office 11 chief and RPOC 11 chairperson, emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Program to identify and address peace and public safety concerns at the grassroots level.Furthermore, Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the Army's 10th Infantry Division commander and RPOC vice chairperson, stressed that the local government units (LGUs) will play a crucial role in sustaining the peace gains in the region. He noted that issues exploited by the NPA cannot be solved by the military alone but require the good governance of the LGUs, including the implementation of development programs and the provision of basic services to marginalized communities.The local government of Davao del Sur has also pledged its commitment to maintaining the insurgency-free status. Governor Marc Douglas Cagas IV emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the provincial government, security forces, and the community to ensure that the gains achieved are not undermined.Celebrating the Victory and Looking AheadThe declaration of Davao del Sur as insurgency-free was celebrated in Davao City, where the city government, the 1003rd Brigade from the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and the City Council Committee on Peace and Public Safety commemorated the first anniversary of the victory against insurgent forces.During the commemoration, Vice President Sara Duterte honored the efforts and sacrifices of the country's security forces while emphasizing the importance of civilian-led community programs, such as the Peace 911 initiative, in the anti-terrorism campaign. She stressed the need to sustain the insurgency-free status and educate the younger generations in peace-building and community relations.As Davao del Sur and the entire Davao Region move forward, the focus now shifts to maintaining the peace, fostering development, and creating a favorable environment for the people to pursue their goals and businesses to flourish, as stated by Lt. Gen. Almerol. The collective efforts of the government, security forces, and local communities have paved the way for a more secure and prosperous future in Davao del Sur.The Role of Local Governance in Sustaining PeaceThe success in declaring Davao del Sur insurgency-free can be attributed not only to the military operations but also to the effective collaboration between the national government, local authorities, and the community. The local government units (LGUs) in the province have played a crucial role in this achievement.

Strengthening Community Engagement

One of the key strategies employed by the LGUs in Davao del Sur was to strengthen community engagement and build trust between the government and the people. This was done through various initiatives, such as the Barangay Development Program, which aimed to address the socio-economic needs of marginalized communities and provide them with access to basic services.By addressing the root causes of the insurgency, such as poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and social inequality, the LGUs were able to undermine the NPA's recruitment efforts and win the hearts and minds of the people. This, in turn, led to increased cooperation and intelligence-sharing between the community and the security forces, further enhancing the effectiveness of the anti-insurgency operations.

Promoting Good Governance and Development

In addition to community engagement, the LGUs in Davao del Sur also focused on promoting good governance and sustainable development in the province. This included the implementation of transparency and accountability measures, the efficient delivery of public services, and the implementation of development programs that addressed the needs of the people.By demonstrating the government's commitment to improving the lives of the people, the LGUs were able to counter the NPA's narrative of the government being corrupt and indifferent to the people's needs. This, in turn, further eroded the NPA's support base and made it more difficult for them to operate in the province.

Collaboration with Security Forces

The LGUs in Davao del Sur also worked closely with the security forces, providing them with intelligence, logistical support, and access to local knowledge and resources. This collaboration enabled the security forces to conduct more targeted and effective operations against the NPA, while also ensuring that the local community was not adversely affected by the military presence.The LGUs also played a crucial role in the post-conflict rehabilitation and reintegration of former NPA rebels, providing them with livelihood opportunities and social support to help them transition back into civilian life. This, in turn, helped to prevent the resurgence of the insurgency and further solidified the province's insurgency-free status.

Conclusion

The declaration of Davao del Sur as insurgency-free is a significant achievement that demonstrates the effectiveness of the government's anti-terrorism efforts and the importance of collaborative efforts between the national government, local authorities, and the community. By addressing the root causes of the insurgency, promoting good governance and sustainable development, and strengthening community engagement, the LGUs in Davao del Sur have played a crucial role in this success.As the province and the entire Davao Region move forward, the challenge will be to sustain this insurgency-free status and continue to build a secure and prosperous future for the people. With the continued commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders, Davao del Sur can serve as a model for other regions in the Philippines that are still grappling with the challenges of insurgency and terrorism.