Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay — December 6, 2024
Brigadier General Elmer B. Suderio, Commander of the 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, was recognized during the 6th anniversary celebration of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The prestigious honor acknowledged his pivotal role in the Joint Regional Task Force-ELCAC (JRTF-ELCAC) Region IX’s landmark achievement in dismantling the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
On November 27, 2024, the National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC), through Resolution No. 12-2024, officially declared the WMRPC dismantled. This unprecedented success marks the first time in over five decades of the Philippines’ counterinsurgency efforts that a regional CPP-NPA structure has been eradicated. Subsequently, Region IX was declared insurgency-free, a milestone affirmed by JRTF-ELCAC IX.
Recognition of Leadership and Collaboration
Representing JRTF-ELCAC IX, Brigadier General Suderio expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the collective effort behind the achievement.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaboration of all members of JRTF-ELCAC IX,” Suderio stated. “We will continue to strengthen our partnerships and sustain the peace we have achieved in Region IX to ensure lasting and sustained progress and security for our communities. This award is not mine alone. I receive this award representing Team Region IX. This is teamwork at its best.”
He highlighted the shift from a purely military approach to a comprehensive strategy under Executive Order No. 70 (EO70), which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach to ending local communist armed conflict.
Region IX: A Model for Peace and Development
The recognition underscores the success of the whole-of-nation approach, demonstrating how collaboration between military forces, local government units, and civil society can eradicate long-standing insurgencies. Region IX’s success is now a model for peacebuilding and sustainable development efforts across the Philippines.
The 102nd Infantry Brigade, under Brigadier General Suderio’s leadership, remains committed to preserving the gains achieved in the region. By addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering socio-economic development, and maintaining security, the brigade aims to ensure a lasting legacy of peace and stability.
As the Philippines continues to advance its counterinsurgency efforts, the historic achievement in Region IX stands as a beacon of hope and progress, showing what can be accomplished through unity and shared purpose.