Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat — In a strong statement of resolve against armed conflict and extremist influence, the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) staged a successful Awareness and Campaign Against Insurgency on June 20, 2025, in Sitio Kidapong, Barangay Domolol, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
The campaign was a significant milestone in the government’s whole-of-nation approach to counterinsurgency, with community participation at its core. It brought together members of the Manobo Dulangan Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, representatives from the 37th Infantry Battalion, Bravo Company led by Lt. Patrick John Pacres, and personnel from the 603rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion. The event also saw the full support of Barangay Chairman Hon. Joseph N. Diza and the barangay council, who warmly welcomed the guests and affirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the locality.
The heart of the campaign was to educate vulnerable communities, particularly the youth and Indigenous Peoples, about the deceptive recruitment tactics employed by communist terrorist groups (CTGs). The army and local officials emphasized that insurgents often exploit socio-economic struggles and geographical isolation to manipulate and recruit residents, sowing seeds of misinformation and distrust toward the government.
The Information and Education session was a pivotal component of the activity. Military personnel shared first-hand experiences and gave in-depth discussions on the broader peace and development agenda of the government under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). They encouraged vigilance, unity, and grassroots participation in defending their communities from the influence of insurgents.
A key highlight of the program was the community’s “Panunumpa ng Suporta at Panata para sa Kapayapaan”, a collective pledge to uphold peace and denounce all forms of violence and armed struggle. The solemn oath symbolized the growing strength of localized peace efforts in conflict-affected areas. IP leaders also gave moving testimonials, echoing their desire for a peaceful and progressive future for their families and future generations.
The event’s success was made possible through the leadership and continued backing of Hon. Joenime B. Kapina, outgoing Municipal Mayor and MTF-ELCAC Chairman. His efforts were equally supported by Hon. Myrna C. Kapina, the newly elected mayor of Palimbang, who vowed to sustain peace-building initiatives and expand outreach to more vulnerable communities.
In line with the NTF-ELCAC’s broader goal of neutralizing local insurgency by addressing its root causes, such as poverty, lack of access to government services, and misinformation, this event in Sitio Kidapong stands as a model of community-based anti-insurgency work. It reflects the growing recognition that true peace is not achieved through arms alone, but through collaboration, empowerment, and inclusive governance.
The program ended on a positive note with a fellowship meal and food distribution, leaving participants with smiles, hope, and a renewed sense of solidarity. For Sitio Kidapong and the rest of Palimbang, the road to lasting peace is being paved one community at a time—with hands joined, voices united, and hearts committed to ending insurgency for good.
The success of NTF-ELCAC in Palimbang is a testament to what can be achieved when national strategies are rooted in local engagement, where people are not just beneficiaries but active defenders of peace.