PBBM declares Misamis Occidental as ‘Insurgency-Free Province’

 

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal on Friday led the declaration of Misamis Occidental as an "insurgency-free province."

"We are gathered here today to celebrate a historic occasion, one that also took time in the making, the declaration of Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free province," he said during the ceremony held at the Tangub City Global College here.

"After years of consistent and resolute security, peace, and community-building, we have succeeded in our campaign to end the decades of conflict in the sixty barangay in your province that were once in the clutches of insurgent movements," he added.

Sixty villages once affected by the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in Misamis Occidental are now free from their influence.

The strong political will of the province's local officials and the close collaboration of the military and police resulted in the neutralization of CTGs in Misamis Occidental and neighboring Zamboanga del Sur in the first half of 2024, the chief executive noted.

The growing number of individuals choosing the peaceful paths and the weakening of armed rebellion also contributed to the province's peaceful state.

"We have successfully dismantled the key leadership of the former insurgents operating in Misamis Occidental, which have now led to their reintegration into society," the President said.

President Marcos also praised the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their community development and reintegration programs for those returning to the fold of the law.

At least 51 barangay in Misamis Occidental benefitted from the Barangay Development Program between 2021 to 2023.

As of September, the Marcos administration completed 46 projects, including 44 farm-to-market roads and two other infrastructure projects involving the construction and development of roads and bridges in the province.

"However, as we celebrate today, these gains, we cannot rest here. We must remain vigilant against the emerging threats that undermine these hard-won gains," he said.

"I ask the local government units of Misamis Occidental to intensify collaboration with various government agencies, partners, and other stakeholders to thwart any posturing or coming back of terrorist groups or any of their financiers or supporters may still be contemplating. Let Misamis Occidental stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when we work for the greater good together," he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos also led the distribution of P53.23 million in financial assistance and government services to former CTG members in the province.

The Chief Executive handed over P10,000 each to 120 former rebels under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (Pamana) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while he gave out P4,000 to P5,000 each to 5,000 beneficiaries under DSWD's Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program.

The President also distributed a total of P10.3 million in livelihood assistance to 37 associations under the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program.

Five thousand beneficiaries received P4,380 under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program of the Department of Labor and Employment.

"It is our hope that through this Administration's programs and projects, we will sustain the stability, the peace, and the progress in the home of all of those from Misamis Occidental," he said.