SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Ilocos Region continues to solidify its status as an insurgency-free zone, with 354 former rebels surrendering in 2024, according to data from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 1 presented March 18.
The Department of National Defense (DND), in coordination with various agencies, has been central to efforts to reintegrate them into society.
NICA-Region 1 Director Edsel Batalla emphasized these former rebels have successfully undergone reintegration programs designed to help them transition to civilian life.
“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Amnesty Program Cluster, co-led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DND, successfully facilitated the surrender and reintegration of these 354 former rebels,” Batalla said.
Authorities also reported the recovery of 167 firearms, ammunition and other war materials in 2024 as part of the government’s intensified campaign to maintain peace and security.
Batalla reaffirmed Region 1 remains the first in the country to achieve and sustain an insurgency-free status, a milestone first attained in 2022.
“Region 1 holds the distinction of being the first in the country to achieve stability and stable internal peace and security as well as insurgency-free status,” Batalla said during Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas.
He stressed the success of these peacekeeping efforts depends on collaboration between public and private stakeholders, ensuring communities remain resilient against threats of armed conflict.
“Region 1 has successfully sustained peace and security through the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach led by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Batalla remarked.
Interagency assistance
As part of the government’s commitment to preventing insurgency from taking root again, the DILG has provided assistance to nine former rebels, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended livelihood support to 17 conflict-vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has conducted training programs, producing 55 graduates, with six individuals certified as skilled workers and 17 already employed.
Batalla said this interagency collaboration aims to address the economic needs of beneficiaries in conflict-vulnerable areas.
“This comprehensive strategy addresses the root causes of insurgency, promotes inclusive development and ensures lasting peace,” he added.
Through continued cooperation, the Ilocos Region remains a model of peace, stability and resilience, demonstrating progress is achievable through collaboration between communities and the government. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
