Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
September 27, 2024

“As we celebrate today these gains, we cannot rest here. We must remain vigilant against the remaining threats that undermine our hard-won gains,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated as he officially declared Misamis Occidental an insurgency-free Province — marking a significant step in the government’s quest for lasting peace and order throughout the nation.

In his remarks, the President underscored this momentous achievement as a testament to the strong collaboration among the national government, local government units (LGUs) and society, which transformed once conflict-affected areas into peaceful and thriving communities.

He urged the continuous implementation of a whole-of-nation approach to sustain the improvements and gains of these efforts through socioeconomic interventions. These include investments in education, health, infrastructure and livelihoods which helped Misamis Occidental prevent the recurrence of conflict.

“The experience of Misamis Occidental speaks volumes about the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency. Peace will neither be attainable nor sustainable without accompanying development… It is our hope that through this Administration’s programs and projects, we will sustain the stability, the peace and the progress in the home of all those from Misamis Occidental,” he said.

This declaration is the culmination of decades-long efforts between the national and local governments. It follows the dismantling of key leadership of former insurgents operating in Misamis Occidental. Since then, the government has successfully provided peace, community development and reintegration programs to former rebels through Barangay Development Programs (BDPs).

“I ask the local government units of Misamis Occidental to intensify collaboration with various government agencies, partners and other stakeholders to thwart any posturing or coming back of terrorist groups or any of their financiers or supporters may still be contemplating,” the Chief Executive urged.

“Let Misamis Occidental stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when we work for the greater good together. With us perpetuating the peace efforts that we made here, I know that soon we will be able to declare the entire country, the entire republic, as insurgency-free,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his message.

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