Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division spokesman Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, said military and local officials declared the province insurgency-free and development ready on Thursday (Aug. 18).
The declaration took place during the unveiling of legislative building ceremony at the Provincial Capitol of Malita town, Davao Occidental.
Maj. Gen. Nolasco A Mempin read the Provincial Peace and Order Council Resolution Number 04 series of 2022 declaring the province as Insurgency-Free.
Mempin congratulated the members of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and 73rd Infantry Battalion for their relentless campaign against the communist NPA.
Department of National Defense (DND) Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr. in his message delivered by Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Greg T Almerol said that he is confident that more development initiatives will spur profound progress in the province and improve further the people’s living conditions.
“I tip my hat off to our security forces, the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, who painstakingly worked hard with the Local Government and the populace to free the province of Davao Occidental from Insurgency,” Faustino said.
Other officials present during the activity were Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who was the guest of honor and speaker; Davao Occidental Governor Franklin Bautista; Vice-Governor Lorna Bautista-Bandigan; mayors; and representatives from the various government agencies.