Kalinaw said this milestone reflects the commitment of the military, provincial government, and other stakeholders to peace, social justice, and the rule of law.
Kalinaw SEMR recognizes that sustaining this achievement requires ongoing dedication from individuals, organizations, agencies, and stakeholders.
Kalinaw SEMR on Friday, June 21 was recognized alongside government agencies and organizations by the provincial government of Davao de Oro during a ceremony marking the second anniversary of the province's insurgency-free declaration.
The pivotal role played by former CPP-NPA-NDFP cadres and members who have chosen the path of unity and reconciliation has been instrumental in achieving and sustaining this remarkable progress.
Davao de Oro was among the strongholds of communist insurgency in the Philippines. At its peak, the NPA operated across seven guerrilla fronts in over 130 barangays within the province.
Achieving peace involved dismantling these guerrilla fronts, facilitating the return of former rebels to the fold of the law, and empowering communities to resolve issues through non-violent meansโa formidable accomplishment indeed.
For the past few years, the tangible impact of combating insurgency has been evident in economic statistics. In 2018, during the CPP-NPA-NDFP's influence, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported approximately 49,400 impoverished families in Davao de Oro.
By the first half of 2021, following the government's intensified counterinsurgency efforts, particularly with the establishment of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), this number decreased to 41,200 familiesโa notable 16.59% reduction.
Kalinaw SEMR, however, 22 also acknowledges that fundamental challenges such as inequality, low wages, and inadequate household incomes persist among the majority of Davao de Oro's populace.
These socio-economic issues historically contributed to the poor's radicalization and exploitation. Moreover, environmental concerns like illegal logging and irresponsible mining activities continue to plague remote communities.
Addressing these challenges, according to Kalinaw, is imperative to sustaining an insurgency-free environment. It is crucial to empower former CPP-NPA-NDFP members and previously-affected communities to ensure their lasting integration into society, not merely as a short-term solution against potential re-infiltration.
Kalinaw SEMR urges its members, affiliate organizations, the provincial government of Davao de Oro, the 10th Infantry Division, the Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP, and all stakeholders to remain vigilant in navigating the complexities of peacebuilding.
Kalinaw in its statement said celebrating Davao de Oro's insurgency-free status should serve as a reminder that our work of pursuing justice and cultivating a culture of lasting peace and security continues.
This momentous occasion calls for a unified commitment to addressing ongoing challenges and fulfilling the promise of sustainable peace in Davao de Oro, Kalinaw said.
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