DON CARLOS, Bukidnon – “The declaration of Don Carlos town as insurgency-free marks a significant leap toward peace, reinforcing the government’s commitment to security,” said Capt. Rogelio Recto, Civil-Military Operations Officer and spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 48th Infantry Battalion

In an interview aired on Radio Mindanao Network Malaybalay station, Recto confirmed that Don Carlos is now the sixth municipality in southern Bukidnon to achieve insurgency-free status.

It joins the towns of San Fernando, Kadingilan, Damulog, Kibawe, and Dangcagan, all of which have already been recognized for successfully eliminating insurgent threats.

The declaration signifies the absence of active armed rebels, ensuring community security and peace.

“Don Carlos is now insurgency-free, thanks to a strong collaboration. The local government units, the Philippine National Police, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, security forces, and peace partners remained vigilant, ensuring a year of stability, with no New People’s Army [NPA] activities reported, as confirmed through rigorous monitoring,” Recto said.

He explained that declaring a municipality insurgency-free requires thorough assessments by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Brig. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said this achievement will pave the way for economic growth, social development, and an improved quality of life for Don Carlos residents.

“Our goal is to uphold peace and order in Bukidnon, allowing people to live without fear and enabling communities to prosper. This milestone highlights the success of government-led initiatives in strengthening security, fostering stability, and driving long-term economic and social progress,” he said.

Themed “Kalig-on Pinaagi sa Panaghiusa: Usa ka Bag-ong Panahon sa Kalinaw ug Seguridad” (Unity in Strength: Embracing a New Era of Peace and Security), the declaration ceremony took place on February 25 at the JMZ Astrodome in Poblacion, Don Carlos. Local government officials, sectoral and tribal leaders, the PNP, and the AFP attended the event to honor the occasion.

With Don Carlos now insurgency-free, authorities expect nearby Maramag and Kitaotao towns to follow suit within months, further advancing lasting peace in Northern Mindanao and across the nation.

(BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)