THE Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) has officially declared that its entire area of responsibility is now free of active New People's Army (NPA) combatants, following the arrest of the last remaining members of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) in Agusan del Sur.
In the Davao Peace Security press briefing on June 18, 2025, 10ID Public Affairs Office Chief Major Ruben Gadut announced that the once-strong NPA presence within their jurisdiction, which was previously home to 16 guerrilla fronts, has now been completely diminished.
This development is part of the ongoing efforts to sustain the insurgency-free status of the Davao Region.
Gadut emphasized that this milestone came after a successful joint operation between military and police forces on June 13 in Barangay Bunawan Brooke and Purok 2, Barangay San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. The operation led to the arrest of eight individuals affiliated with the SMRC, considered the last remaining armed group under the NPA in Southern Mindanao.
Among those captured were Charisse Bernadine Bañez, also known as Nikki or Nikol, the platoon secretary; Louvaine Erika Espina, alias Pam or Tugas, the unit’s medical officer; and Ronnie Igloria, alias Gideon, Rey, or Papang, who served as the vice commander. Their capture effectively dissolved the last unit under the notorious Jaguar Platoon.
The 10ID’s area of operation spans the entire Region 11 and parts of Regions 10, 12, and 13. These include key areas in Bukidnon, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Sur.
Notably, 10ID said that the start of 2025 has been marked with major successes for the Philippine Army, particularly in Eastern and Southern Mindanao. According to the military unit, the complete neutralization of active NPA elements within the 10ID’s area is a testament to the military’s relentless operations and effective coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other security agencies.
These gains are also attributed to the continued support of local governments and communities under the whole-of-nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict.
Recently, the province of Davao de Oro, one of the areas within the 10ID’s jurisdiction, celebrated its third year as an insurgency-free province.
During the celebration, the provincial local government unit (PLGU) emphasized that sustained peace and order are seen as a model for other conflict-affected areas transitioning to stability.
Officials also said the momentum at the start of the year bodes well for ongoing peace and development initiatives, with the Army vowing to remain vigilant in ensuring that the hard-won peace is not only preserved but also strengthened across the region.