THE military and the police have declared the Zamboanga Peninsula region insurgency-free due to intensified counter-insurgency operations in the past years, according to the Philippine Army.
The declaration was made during the 4th quarter meeting of the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Dipolog City on Thursday last week.
“This monumental achievement highlights the successful dismantling of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army,” said Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala.
Dema-ala said seven guerrilla fronts and three other lower units that were under the WMRPC have also been defeated, leading to zero NPA presence and NPA-affected barangays throughout the region.
Dema-ala said the dismantling of the WMRPC was accomplished through “sustained operations from 2019 to 2014” and concerted efforts of the Army, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, local officials, and the community.
“The Army leadership lauds the genuine public service of all involved in totally ending communist NPA terrorism in Zamboanga Peninsula and urges all other parts of the country to emulate the same feat to fully boost the economic and development potential of their provinces,” said Dema-ala.
Some of the most notable accomplishments of the military against the insurgents in the region was the killing of WMRPC secretary Aprecia Alvarez Rosette during a military operation on February 27 this year and the surrender of the last three WMRPC members on July 19.
Maj. Gen Gabriel Viray III, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, attributed the feat to the “collective dedication of security forces, local government units, and communities.”
“Our unwavering commitment to ending local communist armed conflict has culminated in this historic milestone,” said Viray.
“The Zamboanga Peninsula is now insurgency-free, a reflection of the hard work and sacrifices of our troops and the invaluable support of our local leaders and communities. Together, we are building a brighter and more secure future for all,” said Viray.
