Philippine Army Targets Insurgency-Free Status for 7 Mindanao Municipalities in 2026
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) is intensifying efforts to achieve formal insurgency-free declarations for the remaining seven municipalities within its operational area in Mindanao this year. This follows the reported neutralization of all armed units belonging to the New People's Army (NPA) across the division's jurisdiction, marking a significant milestone in the region's security landscape.
Administrative Process Underway for Final Declarations
Major Ruben Gadut, chief of the 10ID Public Affairs Office, clarified during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing on January 28, 2026, that while active guerrilla formations have been eliminated, the official proclamation for these areas remains pending. The delay is attributed to administrative requirements, as local government units and Peace and Order Councils finalize necessary resolutions and documentation to validate the peace status.
Gadut emphasized that the security situation on the ground has stabilized significantly, with the remaining steps being purely procedural in nature. These formal declarations are crucial for ensuring community consensus and institutional validation, which are essential components of the due process at the local level.
Municipalities Awaiting Declaration
The seven municipalities awaiting formal insurgency-free status are primarily located in the northern portion of the 10ID's operational area. In Agusan del Sur, the following towns are yet to complete the process:
- Loreto
- Bunawan
- Trento
- Sta. Josefa
- San Francisco
- Veruela
Additionally, one barangay in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, requires finalization. In Surigao del Sur, Lingig remains the last undeclared municipality, following earlier proclamations that covered Barobo, Tagbina, Hinatuan, and Bislig.
Progress in Other Parts of Mindanao
Gadut highlighted that other areas under the 10ID's jurisdiction have already been certified as insurgency-free, reflecting broader peace gains in Eastern Mindanao. These include:
- Areas in the second district of North Cotabato
- Portions of Sarangani Province
- South Cotabato
- Sultan Kudarat
- All ten municipalities in Bukidnon
The certification of these regions is based on sustained peace and the absence of armed rebel activity, contributing to a more stable environment for development.
Broader National Context of Insurgency Declarations
The developments in Eastern Mindanao align with similar declarations reported across the Philippines in recent years. Notable achievements include:
- The entire Davao Region being declared free of communist insurgency since 2022, following joint resolutions by provincial and city peace councils.
- Zamboanga Peninsula officially cleared after authorities reported the dismantling of all remaining communist guerrilla fronts.
- Surigao del Norte in Northern Mindanao declared insurgency-free in 2024.
- Several municipalities in Leyte and other parts of Eastern Visayas achieving stable internal peace and security status after prolonged periods without NPA presence.
Bukidnon, once considered a stronghold of the communist movement, has seen multiple municipalities formally declared insurgency-free, underscoring the transformative shift in security dynamics.
Strategic Importance of Formal Declarations
Gadut stressed that while military operations have largely neutralized armed threats, the formal declarations serve a critical purpose beyond security. These certifications are instrumental in unlocking development programs, encouraging investments, and sustaining long-term peace in former conflict-affected areas. By providing a framework for institutional validation, they help build community trust and pave the way for economic growth and social stability in regions historically plagued by insurgency.
