Davao del Sur celebrated its fourth year as an insurgency-free province on May 25, 2026, led by Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas, along with board members, officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, local government units, and other agencies. The event took place at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Barangay Matti, featuring the raising of banners and the release of doves as symbols of peace, unity, and hope.
A Milestone in Peacebuilding
Davao del Sur was the first province in the Davao Region to be declared insurgency-free after the Provincial Peace and Order Council, chaired by then-Governor Marc Cagas, passed a resolution. Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, noted that the entire Davao Region later followed suit, becoming the first insurgency-free region in the Philippines.
Former Rebels Now Partners in Peace
Billy Berana Jr., a former rebel known as Borjack, shared his testimony during the celebration. He expressed gratitude for the government's sincere efforts, particularly under Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas, which focused on development and service delivery rather than solely military operations. Berana highlighted the dismantling of CPP-NPA units and the transformation of former guerrilla strongholds through infrastructure projects, livelihood opportunities, and government services reaching remote communities.
He noted that 66 former rebels from various municipalities recently received Certificates of Safe Conduct Pass from the National Amnesty Commission, a step toward amnesty and full reintegration into civilian life. Berana emphasized that former rebels are now organizing themselves as partners of the government and security forces to sustain peace through the provincial federation Kalinaw-Davao del Sur.
Understanding Root Causes
Melanio Galo, president of Kalinaw-Davao del Sur and a former rebel, cautioned against complacency. He stressed the importance of understanding the root causes of rebellion, such as poverty and inequality, and ensuring that government services reach all communities. Galo warned that if basic needs are not addressed, legal forms of struggle could undermine the peace achieved.
Shared Responsibility for Lasting Peace
Vice Governor Marc Cagas called for ensuring that infrastructure, health, education, livelihood, and tourism services reach at least 97 to 98 percent of the province. Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas reminded residents of the sacrifices made, including her own father, a former police major injured in encounters with communist rebels. Major General Luzon urged continued unity and vigilance to preserve peace for future generations.
For former rebels like Berana and Galo, peace is not a one-time declaration but a daily commitment. They challenge the government to continue delivering services and addressing people's concerns to sustain the hard-won gains of the past four years.
