THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) is on the verge of declaring its entire operational jurisdiction insurgency-free, with the final remaining five provinces, four cities, and 17 municipalities expected to achieve the status before the end of the year.
During Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, EastMinCom spokesperson COL Ma. Rosa Cristina Rosete-Manuel revealed that the process is now down to the final administrative steps.
“The requirements are already completed,” Manuel said. “We have to remember this is the ownership of the local government units. They are the ones who will prepare for the declaration in collaboration with other agencies, of course, including the AFP. So it’s just a matter of scheduling.”
Military records show the remaining areas awaiting formal declarations span key regions in Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen.
Among the territories slated for the historic shift are the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Bukidnon, Sarangani, and Misamis Oriental.
The declaration will also cover the cities of Gingoog, Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, and Malaybalay, alongside 11 municipalities in Bukidnon and six in Misamis Oriental.
General Santos City in Region XII is similarly scheduled for official clearance.
Manuel confirmed that the communist insurgency’s armed capability in these areas has effectively ceased, noting that the New People’s Army’s (NPA) North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) has been completely dismantled.
“Based on the records and reports, the NCMRC is dismantled,” Manuel stated. “What we are really waiting for right now is the official declaration. Hopefully, before the end of the year.” Once these formal milestones are achieved, EastMinCom’s entire area of responsibility will be completely conflict-cleared.
Even as internal security threats collapse, the military is maintaining a rigid security posture.
Manuel emphasized that troops are actively working to sustain the peace in areas already under a stable internal security condition (SISC), including the Davao and Caraga regions.
Furthermore, EastMinCom is shifting its weight to assist inter-agency operations against modern threats, including operations targeting illegal alien activities within the region.
