Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, September 27, 2024 — Following the official declaration of Misamis Occidental as an insurgency-free province, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged local authorities to remain vigilant against any resurgence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its affiliates to maintain peace and security in Mindanao.
Speaking at the Tangub City Global College Sports Complex, President Marcos underscored the need to safeguard the province from any possible return of insurgent groups. The declaration marks a significant victory in the government’s counter-insurgency efforts in the region, which has long been affected by the presence of the CPP-NPA.
President Marcos highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and stakeholders to prevent any attempts by the CPP-NPA to reestablish influence in the area. He emphasized that local support for the terrorist group, whether from financiers or sympathizers, must be actively deterred to sustain peace.
The province’s success in addressing the insurgency was attributed to the “aggressive implementation of socioeconomic interventions,” which helped address the root causes of the conflict. By focusing on development initiatives, Misamis Occidental was able to weaken the insurgent group’s hold on rural communities and ensure long-term stability.
Misamis Occidental’s experience demonstrates the critical link between development and security, with the President stressing that peace is only sustainable when accompanied by progress. Under his administration, various programs and projects aimed at improving the living conditions in former conflict areas will continue to bolster peace in the province.
As part of these peace efforts, the Barangay Development Program (BDP) has been a cornerstone of the government’s approach to reducing insurgency by fostering development in conflict-prone areas. The President announced that as of September 2024, 46 out of 51 barangays identified for the BDP have completed their projects, with the remaining 17 in various stages of implementation. The BDP has been instrumental in uplifting communities affected by the long-standing presence of the CPP-NPA through infrastructure, education, and livelihood support.
The declaration of Misamis Occidental as insurgency-free is a significant milestone in the broader campaign to eliminate the CPP-NPA in Mindanao, but the government stresses that the battle for lasting peace requires continuous vigilance and concerted efforts from all sectors.
