10ID reports 341 rebel surrenders, aid to nearly 500,000 in Davao Region year-end review

The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said 341 former members and supporters of what it calls the Communist Terrorist Group surrendered in Davao Region over the past year, according to Mindanao Times.

Division commander MGEN Alvin Luzon presented the figures in the 10ID's year-end report to the Regional Peace and Order Council XI (RPOC XI) on Monday, Nov. 9, at the Arcadia Event Center in Davao City. The meeting was presided over by RPOC XI chairperson Nelson Dayanghirang.

Based on the report, the division's internal security operations also recovered 188 firearms. The 10ID said it conducted more than 24,000 civil-military operations meant to strengthen ties with communities and prevent rebels from returning to areas.

Luzon told the council that keeping the region's insurgency-free status remains a top priority. "Sustaining these gains requires more than military operations," he said, adding that it demands continued readiness, stronger coordination among agencies, and the commitment of local government units and communities.

Apart from internal security, the division said it has aligned its work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations to improve external defense readiness.

On disaster response, the 10ID reported deploying 196 teams to 940 humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions during the year, reaching nearly 500,000 affected people.

The RPOC XI meeting served as a venue for regional officials to review security benchmarks and align local governments with national security frameworks. Luzon said the division will continue a "whole-of-nation" approach so that peace leads to long-term economic development in the region.