Davao Region Stays Insurgency-Free; Army Reports 341 Surrenders

The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army reported on November 9, 2026, that 341 former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) personalities and supporters have surrendered and 188 firearms have been recovered as part of its year-end security accomplishments, as the Davao Region continues to hold its insurgency-free status.

Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID), presented these figures during the 4th Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council XI (RPOC XI), held at the Arcadia Event Center in Davao City. The meeting was presided over by RPOC XI Chairperson Honorable Nelson Dayanghirang.

341 Surrenders and Over 24,000 Civil-Military Operations Recorded

According to the 10ID Public Affairs Office, Maj. Gen. Luzon presented the Division's accomplishments through an audio-visual presentation covering three major operational areas: internal security operations, external security operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

The Division recorded more than 24,000 Civil-Military Operations, alongside the 341 surrenders and 188 firearms recovered — figures the 10ID cited as evidence of sustained progress in preserving the Davao Region's insurgency-free standing.

940 Disaster Response Missions, Nearly 500,000 Individuals Assisted

Beyond counterinsurgency operations, the 10ID's press release highlighted an extensive humanitarian record for the year. The Division conducted 940 HADR activities, deploying 196 Disaster Response Teams and providing assistance to nearly 500,000 individuals.

The 10ID said these disaster response efforts form part of the Division's broader mandate to protect communities and support regional development alongside its security functions.

Army Commander Cites Inter-Agency Coordination as Key to Sustaining Gains

During the council meeting, Maj. Gen. Luzon underscored that the security gains achieved cannot be maintained through military operations alone. According to the 10ID press release, he stressed that sustaining these gains requires more than military operations and "demands continuous operational readiness, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and the collective commitment of government agencies, local government units, and communities."

Luzon also emphasized the importance of maintaining established peace and security mechanisms while advancing what he described as credible territorial defense capabilities and stronger disaster preparedness measures.

External Defense Readiness Also Highlighted at RPOC XI Meeting

The 10ID's presentation at the RPOC XI meeting also covered external security operations, with the Division noting its growing efforts in strengthening external defense readiness. The press release said this is being pursued in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations.

The 4th Quarter Full Council Meeting served as a venue for regional stakeholders to assess the prevailing peace and order situation, review accomplishments and ongoing initiatives, and reinforce collaborative strategies for a peaceful and progressive Davao Region, according to the 10ID.

Whole-of-Nation Approach Guides 10ID's Regional Partnerships

The 10ID reaffirmed its participation in RPOC XI as part of the government's Whole-of-Nation Approach. On the sidelines of the meeting, Maj. Gen. Luzon was also seen in discussion with Mr. Ednar Dayanghirang, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense XI, according to photo captions released by the 10ID Division Public Affairs Office.

The Division said it remains committed to working with partner agencies and stakeholders to ensure that peace gains are "preserved and translated into lasting security and development for the people of Southeastern Mindanao."

Photo credit: 10ID Division Public Affairs Office