THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) aims to become insurgency-free across its entire area of responsibility, as Caraga is expected to attain that status within this month.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, June 3, EastMinCom spokesperson Col. Rosa Ma. Cristina Rosete-Manuel confirmed that the military and local government units are only waiting for the formal declaration ceremony.
“As we speak, the requirements for the declaration as insurgency-free are complete,” Manuel said. “We are just waiting for the formal declaration, which involves not only the AFP but also the local government units of the Caraga Region.”
The region falls under the operational jurisdiction of the 4th Infantry Division.
For decades, Caraga was considered one of the final frontiers and strongest bastions of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao, operating primarily under the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
However, military officials confirmed that the rebel group has been completely dismantled.
“There is no longer any NPA presence following the surrender of the remaining members and the death of their rebel leader,” Manuel stated, referring to the total collapse of the NEMRC following a combat encounter on May 11 that killed top leader Edilberto Daval, and the subsequent surrender of the group’s final remnants late last month.
“This development marks the complete collapse of the communist terrorist group’s major formation in Northeastern Mindanao,” Manuel added. “The nearing declaration of Caraga as a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) area is a clear validation of peace gains achieved through years of sacrifice, cooperation, and commitment across all sectors of society.”
Manuel also highlighted that the region’s established security allowed it to successfully host major events, drawing a parallel to the synchronized efforts of Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila in securing the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa.
She noted that the incident-free execution of the national games demonstrated that the region is fully capable of hosting major national gatherings in an environment where peace and progress flourish.
EastMinCom credited these achievements to focused military operations, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and the aggressive implementation of former rebel reintegration programs.
Despite the historic milestone, the command emphasized that operations will not stop.
“While we celebrate these milestones, we recognize that peace is not a destination but a continuing responsibility,” Manuel said. “EastMinCom remains steadfast in sustaining the gains achieved not only in Caraga but also in the Davao Region and other areas already declared insurgency-free.”
Headquartered in Panacan, Davao City, EastMinCom’s primary area of responsibility (AOR) covers the entire eastern portion of Mindanao, including the Davao Region (Region XI), Soccsksargen (Region XII), and Caraga (Region XIII). Following Caraga’s formal declaration, the entire command is on track to claim a fully neutralized NPA presence across its borders.
“The story of the Eastern Mindanao Command today is no longer defined by conflict, but by transformation,” Manuel concluded. “Communities are choosing peace over violence, progress over fear, and hope over uncertainty.”
