City marks one year of insurgency-free status in San Fernando
San Fernando, Bukidnon Achieves Milestone as Insurgency-Free Municipality
San Fernando, Bukidnon, celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free area on May 28, 2025, at the Municipal Gymnasium. This achievement marks the first instance of a municipality in Bukidnon to be officially declared insurgency-free, setting a precedent for other regions.
Previously, San Fernando faced numerous challenges and skepticism concerning its struggle for lasting peace. The local government, under the leadership of Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke, and Brigadier General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, worked closely to prevent the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) from regaining their presence in the area. This united front resulted in zero NPA activities for over a year.
Angcao attributed the municipality's success to the effective implementation of the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) strategy. This approach actively involves local leaders and community members in combating insurgency efforts, as well as massive awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP), and the continuous government projects that have fostered economic developments.
Yeke expressed gratitude to the Philippine Army, particularly the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and the 89th Infantry Battalion, for their unwavering dedication and perseverance in maintaining the municipality's freedom from CTG influence.
The anniversary, themed "One Year of Sustainable Peace through Unity and Good Governance," acknowledged the roles of Indigenous Peoples and former rebels in preserving peace in the area.
San Fernando's achievement is part of a broader effort by the Philippine government to address and eliminate insurgency, particularly from the New People's Army (NPA), a communist group that has been a significant security challenge for decades. Strategies such as military operations, community engagement, socio-economic development initiatives, and reintegration programs have likely contributed to this achievement.
The declaration of San Fernando as insurgency-free is a significant development, indicating a shift in the security landscape of the area. Other regions, such as Baggao, Cagayan, have also been declared insurgency-free, reflecting a broader push by the government to address insurgency in the Philippines.
The government applauds San Fernando, Bukidnon for achieving insurgency-free status, a step towards addressing the long-standing issue of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in politics and general news. This significant development under Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke's leadership and in collaboration with the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade could pave the way for similar peace progressions in other regions.
