Army's 10th Infantry Division reports 341 surrenders, 188 firearms recovered in Davao region

The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said 341 suspected communist rebels and supporters surrendered and 188 firearms were recovered during its security operations in the Davao region, according to the Daily Tribune.

Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, the division's commander, reported the figures on Monday, 9 November, at the fourth-quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC XI) in Davao City. RPOC XI Chairman Nelson Dayanghirang presided over the meeting, which regional officials and government representatives attended.

The Army said the division carried out more than 24,000 civil-military operations. It described these as part of efforts to keep the region's declared insurgency-free status.

The 10ID also reported 940 humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities. It said it deployed 196 disaster response teams and helped nearly 500,000 people.

Luzon told the council that keeping the region peaceful and secure depends on sustained military readiness, coordination among government agencies and continued involvement from communities. He also called for stronger territorial defense capabilities in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations.

The division said it will keep working with local governments and partner agencies on security threats, disaster preparedness and development programs across Southeastern Mindanao.

Regional stakeholders also used the meeting to assess peace and order conditions and review ongoing security programs, the report said.