Vice President Sara Z. Duterte lauded on Wednesday the efforts of various government agencies that made Davao Region insurgency-free.

During the Joint Regional Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC)-11 meeting here, Duterte thanked the support of stakeholders in sustaining the “gains of peace” in the region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared Davao as an insurgency-free region on Oct. 27, 2022 following the resolution passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council-11 several days earlier.

As concurrent Education chief, Duterte also asked concerned agencies to help address the recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) among young Filipinos, especially young indigenous peoples.

“I cannot over-emphasize the importance of your anti-insurgency programs in your respective agencies and offices. It will determine the future of our cities, our municipalities, and the future of our children,” she said.

Duterte also warned against complacency, saying the “insurgency-free” status is not a guarantee that insurgents will not be back in communities.

“Anytime that there is an issue or complaint that may be utilized by the CPP-NPA-NDF in the communities, it can spark movements again,” she added.

Duterte reiterated President Marcos’ reminder that community development remains the best approach to defeat insurgency.

Moreover, Duterte lauded the joint regional TF-ELCAC meetings for being an avenue to discuss ways how to sustain peace in the region.

In the same meeting, Duterte also led the awarding of the National TF-ELCAC Gawad Parangal to various agencies for their outstanding contribution to ending armed conflict in the region.

“I give special appreciation to Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern (OPAMINE) Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno for bringing everyone together to discuss peace and order here in the region,” she added. (PNA)