Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division Achieves Historic Insurgency-Free Status Across 84 Areas
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by declaring all 84 cities and municipalities under its operational coverage insurgency-free. This announcement, made on Wednesday, positions the 10ID as the first infantry division in the Philippines to attain such a status, signaling a significant victory in the nation's long-standing battle against communist insurgency.
Official Declaration and Geographic Scope
Major Ruben Gadut, the 10ID spokesperson, formally announced this achievement during a Davao Peace and Security Press Corps conference held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. "Technically speaking, all areas under 10ID are now insurgency-free," Gadut stated. "Based on available military data, this appears to make the division the first in the country to declare its entire area of responsibility free from insurgent influence."
The declaration encompasses a vast region that includes the Davao Region, along with parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Bukidnon. These areas have historically been hotspots for communist insurgency activities, with the New People's Army (NPA) maintaining guerrilla fronts for decades. The specific municipalities cleared of insurgent presence include:
- Sarangani: Malapatan, Glan, Alabel, and Malungon
- Bukidnon: Kibawe, Damulog, Dangcagan, San Fernando, Kitaotao, Maramag, Quezon, and Valencia City
- North Cotabato: Antipas and Kidapawan City
Historical Context and Progressive Milestones
This landmark declaration is the culmination of years of sustained counterinsurgency operations. The progress began with Davao City being declared insurgency-free on March 24, 2022, after the dismantling of the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee 5. Subsequently, other provinces in the Davao Region followed suit:
- Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro in June 2022
- Davao del Sur in July 2022
- Davao Occidental in August 2022
- Davao Oriental in September 2022
These individual achievements paved the way for the Regional Peace and Order Council to formally declare the entire Davao Region insurgency-free on October 12, 2022. In Bukidnon, progress was more gradual, with municipalities achieving insurgency-free status in phases between 2023 and 2025. Notably, Valencia City was declared insurgency-free in October 2025, becoming the first city in Northern Mindanao to earn this recognition, while Kitaotao was cleared in March 2025 after being a strategic hub for insurgent operations.
Ongoing Security Measures and Future Implications
Despite the insurgency-free declaration, the military remains vigilant. Major Gadut emphasized that brigade-sized units will continue to be deployed in the affected areas to sustain security gains and respond to any potential threats or sabotage attempts. Coordination with local officials, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units, is ongoing to ensure stability.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to prevent a resurgence of insurgent groups. This declaration aligns with the government's broader strategy to stabilize historically conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, enhance community security, and foster economic development and investment in the region.
The 10ID oversees security operations across a significant portion of southern Mindanao, including parts of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Region, Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Bukidnon. This achievement not only marks a turning point in regional security but also sets a precedent for other military divisions in the Philippines.
