Misamis Occidental sustains insurgency-free status, strengthens peace gains

 

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, February 11, 2025 — Misamis Occidental continues to maintain its insurgency-free status, following the dismantling of the weakened Guerrilla Front (GF)-Sendong. This achievement has brought peace and stability to the province.

Governor Henry Oaminal expressed pride in the milestone, saying, “This historic achievement is the result of relentless peacebuilding, community engagement, and the successful reintegration of former rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Our province stands as a model of resilience and unity, proving that lasting peace is achievable when the government and people work hand in hand.” The province was also honored last year with the Gawad Parangal Award from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for its contributions to peace.

At the first-quarter Joint Council Meeting, LTC. Nelson Q. Boticario, Commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, reported, “The province remains insurgency-free with no significant activities or developments from the communist terrorist group during this period.” While the threat has been neutralized, he noted that there remains a possibility of the group attempting to regain influence through their CPP-NDF allied front organizations by recruiting former members and allied groups.

To maintain peace, the 10th Infantry Battalion has intensified security operations across Misamis Occidental. From January 1 to February 11, the battalion conducted 40 security patrols in Oroquieta City and 192 patrols across municipalities in the First District.

In addition, 54 security patrols were carried out in Tangub and Ozamiz Cities, while 218 patrols were conducted across the municipalities in the Second District. LTC. Boticario emphasized the importance of these patrols in preserving the peace and protecting local communities.

The battalion also carried out 93 checkpoint operations in Oroquieta and 983 in the First District, as well as 273 checkpoints in Ozamiz and Tangub Cities and 639 in the Second District. These efforts aim to enhance security and prevent criminal activity.

Community support teams have been deployed to 15 priority barangays, including conflict-affected and isolated areas, to prevent the resurgence of insurgency and ensure long-term peace.

LTC. Boticario also provided updates on E-CLIP, which has helped reintegrate former rebels. “From 2016 to 2024, 116 former rebels have been recorded in the program. Of these, 25 are currently undergoing reintegration, and 34 firearms have been turned over to the government,” Boticario shared. As of February 11, two former rebels have received firearms remuneration, with 32 others in the process of compensation.

Misamis Occidental’s ongoing peace efforts continue to serve as a model for other provinces. Authorities remain dedicated to keeping the province insurgency-free while supporting former rebels’ reintegration and enhancing community security. (SN/PGMO)