Last May 25, 2022, the province declared victory over the Community Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) through a resolution of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chaired by then Governor Marc Cagas.

According 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the people of Davao del Sur defeated two guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA, who have wreaked havoc in the province since 2016.

The identified threats were Guerilla Front 51 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), which then turned into Pulang Bagani Command, and Guerilla Front Alip of the Far South Mindanao Regional Committee (FSMRC).

Started in 2021, around 60 former rebels benefited from the program that includes a 15-day deradicalization program, livelihood and skills training, and other government and non-government intervention.

Another 26 former rebels will undertake the program on July 24 this year.

The President urged the people of Davao del Sur to sustain its peaceful environment, as this will be the foundation for a progressivecommunity.

“Kaya’t ang pagbalik ng kapayapaan, ang pagpatuloy ng kapayapaan, ito po ang ating magiging pundasyon para ipatuloy ang progreso. Hindi lamang dito sa Davao del Sur kung hindi sa buong Pilipinas,” President Marcos said. (JBG/MLU/PIA Davao/with photo from 39IB)