DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – All guerilla fronts of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in Zamboanga Peninsula have been dismantled by the military, leading to the region’s historic declaration as insurgency free.
The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC)-9 announced this milestone during its fourth-quarter meeting held in this city. The declaration followed a report by MGen Gabriel C. Viray of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division, Philippine Army, confirming the complete dismantling of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).
The victory was formally recognized through Resolution No. 12-2024, issued by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
In total, seven guerrilla fronts, two regional operations commands, and one regional urban committee, with a total of 330 members were dismantled in the region. In addition, 232 rebels surrendered to the government, and are now referred to as “friends rescued.”
“We have to continue to make sure that those who have been involved in the communist movement will now be integrated into societies,” said JRTF-ELCAC 9 Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan.
Key committee members, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Army, vowed to continue empowering local government units. Their efforts will focus on infrastructure development, health and education, livelihood programs, and sustained support for former rebels to integrate into society.
The successful dismantling of the WMRPC was achieved through the comprehensive coordination of the JRTF-ELCAC’s twelve clusters, which operate under the Whole-of-Nation Approach. This stands as a testament that through unity, peace and progress can be achieved, aligning with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
“Bisan unsaon, kusgan gyud ang gobyerno. Dili gyud mapildi (No matter what, the government is strong and cannot be defeated),” Zamboanga Sibugay former rebel Cenderila Gabeca Yursua, now a friend rescued said during an interview.
With this success, the government hopes it will pave the way for lasting peace in the Zamboanga Peninsula, fostering stability and development. (EDT/CCP/PIA9)
