MisOcc LGU determined to strengthen insurgency-free initiatives

THE local government of Misamis Occidental will double its commitment to the government’s anti-insurgency initiatives to bolster peace and order in the province and its neighbors, according to Gov. Henry S. Oaminal Sr.

The governor announced the renewed efforts two months after the province was declared insurgency-free by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP. The declaration was the result of programs that facilitated the peaceful surrender of rebels through offers of cash gifts and livelihood assistance.

“We remain grateful for the AFP’s recognition of our initiatives and for validating its success. Our objective now is to secure peace and order in our province, and see its positive effects reach our neighbors in the region,” said Oaminal.

According to Army Maj. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray, commander of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, the final rebel group operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental was dismantled in December 2023.

Viray, during the declaration of Misamis Occidental’s insurgency-free status, acknowledged the role that the provincial government of Misamis Occidental played.

“I want you to know the significant effort that was made under Governor Oaminal’s leadership in dismantling Guerilla Front Sendong,” said Viray.

“Thanks to his guidance and support to our units, especially the 10th Infantry Battalion, the 102nd Brigade, and the 1st Infantry TABAK Division, the province allocated funds as a reward for those who facilitated the surrender or neutralization of these rebels,” he also said.

“Misamis Occidental itself had its own history of being a hotbed of rebels. This is a fact that I acknowledged early on in my career in public service, and one of the deep-seated problems I vowed to resolve while I have the opportunity to,” Oaminal said.

“Now we are willing to collaborate and share best practices with other LGUs. Let us work in unity for an insurgency-free Northern Mindanao,” he said.

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