ZamPen declared insurgency-free

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) has officially declared the Zamboanga Peninsula as insurgency-free, marking an extraordinary milestone in the Philippine government’s counter-insurgency efforts.

1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Commander Major General Gabriel C. Viray III, said yesterday JRTF-ELCAC formally declared Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 9 as insurgency-free during the JRTF-ELCAC 4th Quarter Regular Meeting held at the R&B Pavilion Hall, Mibang Hotel, Dipolog City on Thursday.

Viray said this achievement highlights the successful dismantling of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Additionally, he said seven New People’s Army gunmen and three regional NPA units were eradicated, leading to zero NPAs-affected barangays and zero active NPAs members throughout the region.

Viray pointed out that this represents one of the most decisive victories in the over five decades of counterinsurgency campaigns in the Philippines.

Dismantling the WMRPC was accomplished through sustained operations from 2019 to 2024.

It was led by the 1st Infantry Division in collaboration with the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) cluster. This cluster included the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and local government units.

Viray said that together, these entities successfully neutralized all significant threats posed by the CPP-NPA in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Together, these entities successfully neutralized all significant threats posed by the CPP-NPA in the Zamboanga Peninsula, he said.

Among the notable achievements of the PLEDS cluster included the neutralization of WMRPC Secretary Aprecia Alvarez Rosette on 27 February 2024.

Surrender of the last three active WMRPC members to the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government on 19 July 2024.

Dismantling of seven NPAs guerilla fronts and three regional units, ensuring no NPAs presence in barangays, and the declaration of the WMRPC’s dismantling by the National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center on 27 November 2024.

“Our unwavering commitment to ending the local communist armed conflict has culminated in this historic milestone. he Zamboanga Peninsula is now insurgency-free, a reflection of the hard work and sacrifices of our troops and the invaluable support of our local leaders and communities. Together, we are building a brighter and more secure future for all,” Viray said.

Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security IX, praised the collaborative efforts.