DAVAO, PHILIPPINES – On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte accredited various government agencies’ collective efforts to eradicate insurgency in the Davao Region.
At the Joint Regional Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC)-11 meeting held in this location, The Vice President expressed gratitude for the assistance of stakeholders in maintaining the progress of peace in the region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on October 27, 2022, that Davao is now free from insurgency. This declaration came after the Regional Peace and Order Council-11 passed a resolution a few days prior.
Vice President Sarah, in her role as Education chief, also urged relevant agencies to assist in addressing the recruitment of young Filipinos, particularly indigenous youth, by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
“I cannot overemphasize the importance of your anti-insurgency programs in your respective agencies and offices. It will determine the future of our cities, our municipalities, and the future of our children,” she said.
VP Sara also cautioned against becoming complacent, emphasizing that achieving an “insurgency-free” status does not guarantee that insurgents will not return to communities.
“Anytime there is an issue or complaint that the CPP-NPA-NDF may utilize in the communities, it can spark movements again,” the Vice President added.
She emphasized President Marcos’ reminder that community development remains the most effective approach to combat insurgency.
Moreover, she applauded the joint regional TF-ELCAC meetings for being an avenue to discuss ways to sustain peace in the region.
In the same meeting, the Vice President also led the National TF-ELCAC Gawad Parangal awarding various agencies for their outstanding contribution to ending armed conflict in the region.
“I give special appreciation to Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern (OPAMINE) Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno for bringing everyone together to discuss peace and order here in the region,” she added.
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