Uy highlighted in the meeting the government’s unwavering stance against insurgency, including the continuous support to the people’s organizations and the reintegration initiatives for former rebels.

He also stressed the critical role of good governance in fostering and enduring peace in the province, saying, "The true measure of government efficiency lies in the satisfaction of its citizens."

According to DILG Davao Oriental, another batch of 15 former rebels will receive the same assistance soon, as their documents are still being processed.

Since 2021, a total of 149 former insurgents in Davao Oriental have been reintegrated into society and are actively contributing to peace-building endeavors.

"Hangarin namin na maging mapayapa ang ating mga komunidad upang matutukan natin ang development na magbibigay ginhawa sa bawat mamamayan ng Davao Oriental," he said.

(It is our hope to keep the peaceful situation in our communities for us to focus on the development that we can provide to our constituents in Davao Oriental.)

The province of Davao Oriental was the last province in the region to have been declared insurgency-free in September 2022. (MLU/PIA Davao Oriental/Photos from PIO Davao Oriental)