In his presentation EastMinCom Commander Lieutenant General Greg Almerol showed the command’s peace, security, and development efforts in Eastern Mindanao in partnership with different government units and line agencies, which resulted in the dismantling of various Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) units and the declaration of Davao Region as "insurgency-free."
Almerol also presented the seized, surrendered, and recovered firearms from the NPA through their Focused Military Operations (FMO).
Marcos met the military after he graced the ceremonial "Declaration of Davao Region as Insurgency-Free and Relaunching of Davao Region as Tourism and Investment-Ready Destination" on the same day together with the heads of various government agencies and Local Chief Executives.
On October 12, the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 11 during their executive meeting passed a joint resolution declaring the whole Davao Region as "insurgency-free.”
In his message, President Marcos recognized the collective victory of the government, together with various sectors that worked together to attain peace and security in the Davao Region.
"We must acknowledge the efforts of our men and women in uniform, particularly the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for ensuring the protection and security of our people to your various Civil and Military Operations," he said.
"We must also recognize the efforts of our LGUs, our various government agencies, and law enforcement authorities in the region for supporting the NTF-ELCAC by improving public safety and implementing programs that improve the living conditions for all," he said.
Almerol thanked President Marcos for visiting the command and acknowledging its thrusts to free the people of Eastern Mindanao from the influence of CTG.
"We are more than honored to finally meet the President. His recognition of our triumphs in peace, security, and development of communities in our Joint Operational Area will surely bolster the morale of the troops who work day and night to ensure the security of our people from the communist terrorists," Almerol said.
The event was also attended by Vice-President Sara Z. Duterte, Department of National Defense (DND) Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr., Governors Corazon Nuñez-Malanyaon, Edwin I. Jubahib, and Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga of Davao de Oro.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte and members of Regional Development Council 11, RPOC, and heads of other government agencies in Davao Region were also present.
Photo from EastMinCom