THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has reached a significant milestone in its security operations, with nine provinces and over 20 municipalities now officially declared “insurgency-free” or under stable internal peace and security conditions (SIPSC).
Data released by EastMinCom spokesperson Lt. Col. Ryann Velez on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, reveals a comprehensive list of areas that have transitioned to peaceful status as part of the “AFP Vision 2028” roadmap.
As of the latest report, the cleared areas include nine provinces: Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, Camiguin, and Cotabato Province.
The transition to insurgency-free status in these regions began as early as 2015 with Camiguin, followed by a surge of declarations in 2022 across the Davao Region.
The most recent provincial declaration was in Cotabato Province on Oct. 9, 2024.
In addition to the provinces, three major cities —Davao City (March 2022), Surigao City (March 2024), and Valencia City (October 2025)—have been cleared of active insurgent influence.
The report also highlights 21 municipalities that have successfully met the SIPSC criteria. Bukidnon dominates the recent list of cleared towns, with several areas, including Don Carlos, Maramag, and Kitaotao, being declared insurgency-free in the first quarter of 2025.
Surigao del Sur also saw a major sweep in November 2025, with Barobo, Hinatuan, Bislig, and Tagbina all achieving peaceful status that month.
“So far in the area of Eastern Mindanao Command, we have a total of 9 provinces out of those, 17 have declared insurgency-free,” Velez said.
According to EastMinCom, these declarations are the result of intensified community-based security programs and coordinated military operations aimed at fostering a “world-class armed force” and a “source of national pride.”
The military remains focused on maintaining these “peace zones” to prevent the resurgence of insurgent groups while supporting local government units in delivering essential services to formerly conflict-ridden communities.
