The Zamboanga Peninsula has been declared free of communist insurgency.

According to the 1st Infantry Division (1ID), the declaration was made during the meeting of the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) at a hotel in Dipolog City.

The entire region was declared insurgency-free after government forces dismantled the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and wiped out seven guerilla fronts and three regional NPA units.

The military also highlighted the neutralization of WMRPC secretary on February 27, 2024, and the surrender of the last three active WMRPC members on July 19, 2024.

Because of this, barangays in the region are already free of NPA rebels.

“The dismantling of the WMRPC, accomplished through sustained operations from 2019 to 2024, was led by the 1st Infantry Division (1ID) in collaboration with the Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) cluster,” 1ID said.

1ID Commander, Major General Gabriel Viray III, lauded the collaborative efforts of the security forces, local government units, and communities in achieving an insurgency-free region.

“Our unwavering commitment to ending local communist armed conflict has culminated in this historic milestone. The Zamboanga Peninsula is now insurgency-free, a reflection of the hard work and sacrifices of our troops and the invaluable support of our local leaders and communities. Together, we are building a brighter and more secure future for all,” Viray said.

Meanwhile, JRTF-ELCAC 9 and 1ID will continue to address socio-economic challenges, prevent future NPA recruitment, and implement security plans to ensure a lasting peace.