Province of Cotabato – In a landmark achievement for peace and security, the Province of Cotabato has been officially declared free of New People’s Army (NPA) presence. This declaration was made during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting, where Governor Emmylou “Lala” Talino-Mendoza endorsed the recommendation of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade to formalize the declaration.
The proposal, led by Brigadier General Patricio Ruben P. Amata, Commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, was based on the significant advances in the province’s efforts to eliminate insurgent threats. The dismantling of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) armed elements, as well as the sustained partnership between the military, local government units (LGUs), local government agencies (LGAs), and the communities, has been central to these successes.
Governor Talino-Mendoza expressed her full support for the declaration, commending the PPOC members and the various clusters of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) for their dedication. “This declaration is a testament to our collective commitment to end the decade-long insurgency that has hindered our progress and the safety of our communities,” she said.
Brigadier General Amata underscored that the declaration was not only a military accomplishment but a victory for the entire community. “The peace we have achieved is through the concerted efforts of everyone. Now, we must safeguard this peace and continue to pursue inclusive development,” he emphasized.
The declaration aligns with the goals of the PTF-ELCAC, which has been instrumental in advancing Conflict Transformation programs to address the root causes of insurgency. The provincial government’s flagship program, “Serbisyong Totoo,” has supported initiatives such as livelihood programs, education, health services, and infrastructure development to provide Cotabateños with better opportunities for progress.
Governor Mendoza urged all stakeholders to continue supporting peace efforts and ensure that development programs reach former conflict-affected areas. This NPA-free declaration marks a major milestone in the province’s pursuit of long-term peace and stability.
