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10th Infantry Division assures no active NPA units in Davao

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY JOREYLENE ROJO/DNSC Intern

THE 10TH Infantry Division (10th ID) assured that no active communist guerrilla units are terrorizing residents of Davao City and most of its areas of responsibility.

During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Maj. Ruben Gadut, chief of the Division’s Public Affairs Office, explained that while troops continue to monitor so-called “white areas” and underground support networks in Davao City, the military implements programs to encourage former rebels, especially those in hiding, to return to the government.

“We have no local terrorist group in the area; there remains zero activity. So, it’s clear that in terms of the Communist Terrorist Group, we have no active NPA units in the 10th ID’s area of responsibility,” Gadut said.

The 10th ID covers Davao City, Davao Region, and parts of Socsksargen, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur.

Recent surrenders included 92 former rebels in Talaingod last month and 101 more formally presented on Feb. 17 in Mati City. Of the latter, three surrendered through police efforts and 98 through Army battalions, turning over 42 firearms. This brings the total number of surrenderers since January to 201, along with 77 assorted firearms recovered.

Gadut added that the latest surrenders involved former rebels who were already inactive and only resurfaced formally. He assured the public that security forces will continue operations to maintain peace and stability in the area.

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New 60IB chief secures solidarity pact with Talaingod tribal leaders

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

IN HIS first major engagement since taking command, Lieutenant Colonel Jesus L. Rosete, acting commanding officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion, met with the tribal leadership of Talaingod to reinforce a long-standing alliance for peace and ancestral domain protection.

The high-level courtesy call, held on Feb. 9 at the Municipal Tribal Hall in Barangay Sto. Niño marks a strategic renewal of the partnership between the Philippine Army and the Indigenous Peoples Structure (IPS) of the municipality.

Rosete was received by Bae Pilar Libayao, chairperson of the IPS, alongside Mayor Jonnie A. Libayao. 

The dialogue focused on a “shared vision” for security, with both military and tribal leaders emphasizing that the stability of Talaingod relies on the mutual trust between the “Mediator” Battalion and the Lumad community.

Rosete said the 60IB remains a steadfast ally of the people of Talaingod.

He expressed gratitude for the tribe’s cooperation in maintaining the region’s insurgency-free status and pledged the Army’s support in defending the community’s ancestral lands.

Bayanihan in action 

The engagement moved beyond formal diplomacy into a tangible community outreach. As a gesture of Bayanihan, the 60IB facilitated a rice distribution for IP families present at the gathering.

Tribal leaders, including the Bagani (warrior) leaders and the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), praised the military’s proactive stance. 

For the residents of this mountainous municipality, the distribution of essential supplies serves as a vital bridge between remote communities and government support.

The 60th Infantry Battalion’s “Mediator” moniker was on full display, signaling a continued shift toward civil-military operations that prioritize humanitarian assistance alongside traditional security measures.

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10th ID commander rallies 45 new junior officers

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MAJOR General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, challenged the 45 newly assigned second lieutenants to balance tactical excellence with a deep concern for the soldiers under their command.

The commander’s message served as the capstone of a four-day campaign orientation from Jan. 20 to 23, designed to immerse the junior officers in the operational realities of the Division’s area of responsibility, spanning Davao de Oro, Sarangani, and Davao City.

“Master your profession, sharpen your skills, and strive for excellence—but never forget the people you lead,” Luzon told the officers. “Leadership is built on trust, connection, and presence. Mission first, people always.”

Shift to external security

A significant portion of the orientation focused on the evolving security landscape. During visits to the 1001st, 1002nd, and 1003rd Infantry Brigades, the lieutenants were briefed on the 10ID’s transition toward external security operations.

Brigade commanders emphasized a focus on border and coastal awareness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and maintaining vigilance against emerging external threats to local stability. 

The young officers gained firsthand exposure to command-and-control mechanisms and counterinsurgency operations. 

The orientation stressed the pivotal role of platoon leaders in diverse settings—from the hinterlands to urban centers like Davao City, where they received specialized briefings from Task Force Davao and the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (11RCDG).

Luzon also urged the officers to adopt the AGILA command philosophy —Accountability, Growth, Integrity, Loyalty, and Achievement through Excellence—as their professional blueprint.

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Bantilan takes command of 1001st Brigade in Davao de Oro

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 1001ST Infantry “Pag-asa” Brigade saw a change in leadership on Oct. 31, 2025, as Brigadier General Vince James Bantilan formally assumed command during a ceremony presided over by Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division.

Bantilan succeeded Brigadier General Felix Ronnie Babac, who has been reassigned to the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division in Zamboanga del Sur as its assistant division commander.

In his message, Luzon lauded both officers for their commitment, emphasizing the brigade’s enduring symbol of hope in the region.

Luzon acknowledged the service of the outgoing commander, stating that Brig. Gen. Babac’s tenure was a “period of transformation” where the unit truly lived up to its name, becoming a “beacon of hope” that strengthened security and fostered local development.

Addressing the new commander, Luzon expressed confidence in the transition:

“To Brigadier General Vince James Bantilan, as you assume command of this esteemed brigade, you inherit not only a title but a sacred responsibility—to lead men and women who stand at the vanguard of peace in this region. I am confident that under your capable leadership, the 1001st Infantry (Pag-asa) Brigade will continue to embody its name—a beacon of hope and strength for the people it serves.”

Luzon concluded by reminding the troops that while commanders may change, their mission endures. “Together, as one Agila Team, we shall continue to soar higher in service to God, country, and people,” he said.

Prior to his assumption as brigade commander, Bantilan served as the chief of staff of the 10th Infantry Division for more than two years.

In that role, he was a key figure in operational planning, coordination, and sustaining internal peace and security operations across the entire Agila Division’s joint operational area.

The ceremony was held at the Brigade headquarters in Barangay Mapaang, Maco, Davao de Oro.

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23rd IB has new battalion commander

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE NEWLY designated 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion acting commander, Lieutenant Colonel Glennford C. Libre, vowed to continue the unit’s mission of upholding peace, security, and community development in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, and nearby areas.

Libre was among the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) installed as three new commanders to key infantry and artillery units, emphasizing leadership continuity and enhanced mission readiness across its area of responsibility.

 Libre has assumed command as the acting commanding officer of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. 

In his assumption speech, Libre vowed to continue the unit’s mission of upholding peace, security, and community development in Agusan del Norte and surrounding areas.

Libre, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2005, replaced Lt. Col. Chris C. Baloran, who has been reassigned to new responsibilities supporting the Division’s operational and administrative functions.

Libre previously served as the acting head of the Division Reconnaissance Battalion.

The simultaneous change of command ceremonies underscore the 4ID’s commitment to sustaining its operational gains, particularly in counterinsurgency efforts.

Also appointed was Lieutenant Colonel Rey Vergel A. Annogui, who took command as acting commanding officer of the 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

He replaced Lt. Col. Albert M. Batingga, whose leadership earned the 30IB a prestigious CGPA Streamer for its contributions to peace in Surigao and Agusan del Norte. 

Annogui is a graduate of the Officer Candidate Course, Class of 2004, and formerly served as deputy assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Allan M. Peñaflor, who was designated acting commanding officer of the 4th Field Artillery Battalion (4FAB), replacing Lt. Col. Victor A. Teleron. 

Peñaflor, also an Officer Candidate Course Class of 2004 graduate, ensures continuity in crucial artillery support across the 4ID’s operational area.

Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4ID, commended both the outgoing and incoming commanders for their dedication and commitment.

Anayron stressed that competent and continuous leadership is vital for maintaining operational readiness, fostering community engagement, and advancing the Army’s mission to protect and serve the people in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga Regions.

“The 4th Infantry Division remains steadfast in its commitment to professional excellence, operational preparedness, and collaborative partnerships with local government units, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders,” Anayron concluded.

The outgoing commanders were recognized for their exceptional service and contributions to peacekeeping and development, receiving Military Merit Medals and Command Plaques during the ceremonial turnovers.

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Army neutralizes six rebels, recovers 26 firearms in Bukidnon

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 403RD Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, led by Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, has reported outstanding operational success, neutralizing six communist rebels and recovering a total of 26 high-powered firearms during recent counterinsurgency efforts in Bukidnon.

The military achievements were highlighted by a series of focused military operations against Communist-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Government forces engaged the rebel groups in intense battles on Aug. 13 and 17, 2025, at the Saldab Complex, which covers areas in Malaybalay City and Barangay Dumalaguing, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

These initial offensives resulted in the neutralization of six CNTs and the immediate recovery of nine high-powered firearms. 

The brigade ensured that the remains of the neutralized individuals were handled with dignity, airlifted, and turned over to their respective families with full funeral assistance, coordinated with concerned agencies.

Meanwhile, the successful operations triggered a significant wave of surrenders:

Four High-Valued Individuals (HVIs) immediately surrendered to General Tubalado and received cash assistance from Governor Rogelio P. Roque of Bukidnon Province.

Follow-on FMOs led to the subsequent surrender of 14 more CNTs, significantly reducing the enemy’s operational manpower.

The surrenderers also led to the recovery of an additional 17 high-powered firearms, further diminishing the rebel group’s ability to launch tactical offensives.

“These accomplishments clearly demonstrate that trust and cooperation between security forces and the community are vital in achieving lasting peace and security,” Tubalado said. “These successive surrenders highlight the strong impact of the FMOs and the renewed hope for individuals seeking to abandon the path of armed struggle and begin a new chapter in life.”

Capping the successful quarter, the brigade held an awarding ceremony on Sept. 29, 2025, where 54 former rebels received safe conduct passes (SCP) at the Centennial Stage, Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City.

The documents ensure the former rebels’ safe passage and protection while their amnesty applications are pending, marking another key milestone in the province’s sustained peacebuilding and reintegration initiatives.

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