By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warned on Friday the provincial government of Misamis Occidental against the potential comeback of terrorist groups, even as the province was declared “insurgency-free.”
“As we celebrate today these gains, we cannot rest here. We must remain vigilant against the emerging threats that undermine our hard-won gains,” Marcos said during the celebration of Misamis Occidental’s insurgency-free status in a ceremony in Tangub City.
“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,” he added.
Marcos said the strong collaboration among the national and local governments, the state forces, and the community has transformed Misamis Occidental into a “peaceful” province.
He expressed optimism that the programs and projects launched by the national government would help sustain the stability, peace, and progress in Misamis Occidental.
“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 60 barangays in your province that were once in the clutches of insurgent movements,” Marcos said.
Marcos said a total of 63 projects will benefit the 51 villages in Misamis Occidental that have been identified as recipients of the Barangay Development Program (BDP).
He noted that as of September 2024, around 46 projects have been completed, while 17 are still ongoing.
He said 44 of the 63 projects under the BDP are farm-to-market roads (FMRs), two projects involve the construction and development of roads and bridges, nine projects focus on the improvement of water supply systems, and the remaining eight projects include health stations, rural electrification, and the rehabilitation of schools.
“This is a tangible outcome of what our collective efforts toward peace and development can do. This demonstrates that peace brings more opportunities for growth, investments, and social services for future generations,” Marcos said.
“The experience of Misamis Occidental speaks volumes about the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency. Peace will neither be attainable nor sustainable without accompanying development. These things work hand in hand,” he added.
During the event, Marcos received a resolution from the provincial government of Misamis Occidental officially declaring the entire province as insurgency-free.
Marcos also led the distribution of financial assistance to 10 former rebels through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Program.
For over 50 years, Misamis Occidental had faced various threats posed by communist armed group New People’s Army (NPA), particularly its guerilla fronts Joji and Sendong of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).
The insurgency-free status was formally declared, following the death of Aprecia Rosete, an NPA commander of WMRPC. Rosete was killed in an encounter with the Philippine Army in Zamboanga del Norte in February this year.
The dismantling of rebel groups in Misamis Occidental was also officially completed in December 2023.
On March 3, 2024, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared Misamis Occidental insurgency-free.
The AFP and the PNP’s declaration was approved by the national government on March 11, 2024.
