OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental — Misamis Occidental has reaffirmed its status as an insurgency-free province following the dismantling of the weakened Guerrilla Front (GF)-Sendong. This milestone marks a significant achievement in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Governor Henry Oaminal expressed his pride in this accomplishment, attributing the success to relentless peacebuilding efforts, community engagement, and the reintegration of former rebels through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). “Our province stands as a model of resilience and unity, proving that lasting peace is achievable when the government and people work hand in hand,” Oaminal stated. The province’s dedication to peace was recognized last year when it received the Gawad Parangal Award from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
During the first-quarter Joint Council Meeting, LTC. Nelson Q. Boticario, Commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that no significant insurgent activities have been recorded. However, he warned that remnants of the group may attempt to regain influence through their CPP-NDF allied front organizations.
To maintain peace, security operations have been intensified across Misamis Occidental. From January 1 to February 11, the 10th Infantry Battalion conducted extensive patrols:
- 40 security patrols in Oroquieta City and 192 patrols across municipalities in the First District.
- 54 security patrols in Tangub and Ozamiz Cities and 218 patrols across Second District municipalities.
- 93 checkpoint operations in Oroquieta, 983 in the First District, 273 in Ozamiz and Tangub Cities, and 639 in the Second District.
Community support teams have been deployed to 15 priority barangays, particularly in conflict-affected and isolated areas, to prevent insurgent resurgence.
LTC. Boticario also highlighted E-CLIP’s impact, revealing that from 2016 to 2024, 116 former rebels have participated in the program. Of these, 25 are currently undergoing reintegration, and 34 firearms have been turned over to the government. As of February 11, two former rebels have received firearms remuneration, while 32 others are in the process of receiving compensation.
Authorities remain committed to ensuring that Misamis Occidental remains a beacon of peace and security. The ongoing collaboration between the government, security forces, and communities serves as a model for other provinces striving for lasting stability.