In a significant shift for regional security, the Philippine Army has officially transferred military jurisdiction over Davao Oriental from one brigade to another, with a firm commitment to maintaining the province's hard-won stability.
A Seamless Transition of Command
Effective December 1, 2025, the 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001st IB) has formally taken over responsibility for Davao Oriental. This move comes after the redeployment of the 701st Infantry Brigade (701st IB) back to its mother unit, the 7th Infantry Division under the Northern Luzon Command.
Brigadier General Vince James D. Bantillan, commander of the 1001st IB, announced the change during a press conference in Mati City. He clarified that his brigade, initially stationed in Maco, Davao de Oro, has now expanded its jurisdiction to include the neighboring province.
General Bantillan was quick to reassure the public that the operational landscape on the ground remains unchanged. Only the controlling headquarters has been redeployed. The key operating battalions—the 66th Infantry Battalion in Mati City and the 67th Infantry Battalion in Baganga—continue their duties in their established areas of responsibility.
"What was redeployed was the controlling headquarters, but the operating units have no changes," Bantillan explained. "This includes our detachments and our actual deployment. So there are no changes in our operational tempo."
Sustaining Peace and Development Gains
The commander paid tribute to the accomplishments of the outgoing 701st IB, particularly its role in helping Davao Oriental achieve and maintain its insurgency-free status. He emphasized that his brigade's primary mission is to build upon this foundation and prevent any resurgence of threat groups.
"We are in the positive phase," Bantillan stated, outlining his unit's approach. "We support ending the local communist armed conflict through good governance, delivering basic services, and fostering development in the area."
This strategy hinges on continuous and strengthened collaboration with local stakeholders. The 1001st IB pledges to be a dedicated and productive partner to local government units (LGUs), fully supporting their peace and development agendas.
A Broadened Mandate for Security and Service
Beyond maintaining internal security, Bantillan outlined a broader vision for the brigade's role in Davao Oriental. Military operations will continue across the province to deter any potential threats, even in the absence of current reports concerning communist terrorist groups.
The general explained that their security obligations are comprehensive, extending from domestic threats to guarding against potential foreign incursions. Furthermore, the brigade is enhancing its capabilities to serve effectively as first responders during natural disasters and other public emergencies.
"Rest assured, we will be here," Bantillan concluded, directly addressing the residents of Davao Oriental. "The military will be here. Do not be concerned about the change; only the controlling headquarters in Davao Oriental has changed."
This reassignment marks a new chapter in the province's security management, with the 1001st Infantry Brigade now at the helm of ensuring that Davao Oriental's peace and progress remain uninterrupted.
