Regions and local governments fall under Eastmincom's jurisdiction, experiencing a decrease in insurgency activities.
In Eastern Mindanao, the insurgency is nearing its final stages of being declared fully insurgency-free. The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) is at the forefront of this effort, working tirelessly to neutralize remaining communist armed groups, particularly the New People's Army (NPA), and maintain security in previously conflict-affected areas across Regions 10, 11, 12, and 13.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its units, the 10th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division, have been instrumental in this mission. They have played a central role in dismantling guerrilla fronts and encouraging the surrender of former rebels through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).
Eastmincom's approach is multi-faceted. Ongoing military campaigns aim to dismantle guerrilla fronts and encourage rebel surrenders. Simultaneously, a sustained military presence in areas cleared of insurgent activity is maintained to prevent resurgence.
In addition to military efforts, Eastmincom collaborates closely with local government units to address socio-economic issues contributing to insurgency. This partnership aims for long-term peace and stability by addressing root causes such as poverty and lack of services.
The continued cooperation among security forces, LGUs, and former rebel returnees in Davao Region has contributed to the region's peace and stability. Recent reports confirm that Davao Region has remained free from active NPA threats throughout the year.
The anticipated insurgency-free status is expected to pave the way for increased public and private investments in the region, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and small enterprise development. Local governments have been implementing livelihood support, infrastructure projects, and peace education initiatives as part of the peace and development framework.
Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista made these statements during a peace and security briefing held on August 6 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City. The military's efforts are not just about neutralizing the NPA, but also about sustaining peace through long-term, community-based initiatives.
The shift in strategy towards a more comprehensive peace and development framework has been effective in addressing the root causes of insurgency. Communities once influenced or infiltrated by armed insurgents are transitioning into stable and development-ready areas due to this approach.
However, some military presence remains necessary as police and other agencies are still building capacity to maintain security independently, reflecting a cautious transition from combat operations to peace enforcement and development.
Overall, Eastmincom's comprehensive strategy has made significant strides in eradicating insurgency from Eastern Mindanao, bringing the region closer to lasting peace.
[1] Eastmincom Press Release, Aug 6, 2022. [2] AFP News, Aug 6, 2022. [3] Mindanao Times, Aug 7, 2022. [4] CNN Philippines, Aug 8, 2022.
- The government's strategy in Eastern Mindanao, led by Eastmincom, involves both military campaigns to dismantle guerrilla fronts and collaboration with local government units to address socio-economic issues contributing to insurgency.
- The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) has encouraged the surrender of former rebels, which has been a central role played by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its units, the 10th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division.
- The anticipated insurgency-free status in Eastern Mindanao is expected to lead to increased investments in agriculture, tourism, and small enterprise development, as well as the implementation of peace education initiatives and livelihood support by local governments.
- Despite the progress achieved, some military presence remains necessary as police and other agencies build capacity to maintain security independently, reflecting a cautious transition from combat operations to peace enforcement and development in Davao Region.
