LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — In a significant show of solidarity and commitment to sustaining peace in Northern Mindanao, two major Base Commands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have formally declared the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group (DI-MG), the Communist Terrorist Group’s Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC-5), and other lawless elements as persona non grata within their respective areas of influence in Lanao del Norte.
The landmark declarations were made separately by the MILF’s 127th Base Command, headed by Aleem Ansary Murad, and the 123rd Base Command, led by Hadji Nor Dipatuan, signaling a unified rejection of terrorism, violent extremism, and criminality that continue to threaten the security and development of communities in the province.
The first declaration took place on May 23, 2026, at the headquarters of the 127th Base Command in Munai, while the second ceremony was held exactly a month later, on June 23, 2026, at the headquarters of the 123rd Base Command in Tagoloan.
The twin declarations represent a major milestone in the continuing implementation of peacebuilding initiatives following the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and reflect the growing partnership between former Moro combatants, government agencies, and local communities in preventing the resurgence of armed violence.
The ceremonies were facilitated by the 44th Infantry (Agile N’ Stable) Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy D. Damonsong and conducted under the operational supervision of Colonel Bernardo A. Taqueban, Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade.
Military officials said the activities were organized in close coordination with MILF leaders, local government units, peace mechanisms, community stakeholders, and various security sector partners to strengthen cooperation in addressing security threats and preserving the gains of the peace process.
The declaration ceremonies culminated in the signing of official resolutions declaring the DI-Maute Group, the Communist Terrorist Group’s SRC-5, and other lawless elements unwelcome in the respective MILF-controlled communities. Participants also signed a Pledge of Commitment to Peace, reaffirming their collective resolve to protect their communities from extremist influence and support long-term peace and sustainable development.
Present during the events were senior MILF leaders, representatives from established peace mechanisms, local chief executives, barangay officials, community elders, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Their participation underscored the broad-based support for collaborative peace and security efforts across Lanao del Norte.
Security officials described the declarations as more than symbolic gestures, emphasizing that they reflect the growing determination of local communities to deny safe havens to terrorist organizations and armed groups seeking to exploit vulnerable areas.
The MILF’s rejection of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group is particularly significant, considering the group’s history of violent extremist activities in Mindanao, including its links to the 2017 Marawi Siege. Likewise, the inclusion of the Communist Terrorist Group’s Sub-Regional Committee 5 in the declaration highlights a unified stance against insurgency and other forms of armed violence regardless of ideology.
Authorities noted that these declarations strengthen community resilience by fostering closer cooperation among former Moro revolutionary forces, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and the military. The initiative also reinforces ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability while preventing the infiltration and recruitment activities of extremist organizations.
Military leaders said the twin declarations demonstrate that peace in Lanao del Norte is no longer solely the responsibility of government forces but has become a shared commitment among former combatants, civilian leaders, and local residents who now stand united in protecting their communities.
By collectively declaring terrorist organizations and other lawless elements as persona non grata, the people and leaders of Lanao del Norte have sent a strong and unequivocal message that violence, fear, and extremism have no place in their communities.
Officials expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership among the MILF, local government units, peace stakeholders, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will further safeguard the gains of the peace process, create a more secure environment for development, and ensure that future generations will inherit communities defined by peace, stability, and shared prosperity rather than conflict and division.