A day after the province of Davao Oriental was declared “insurgency-free” by the Provincial Peace and Order Council, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon personally thanked the men and women of the Philippine Army in time for the celebration of the 701st Kagitingan Brigade’s 14th Reactivation Anniversary.

“On this occasion, allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations and salute to the fine men and women of the 701st Brigade and its units for their role at the forefront of the province’s peace campaign,” she said during the anniversary program held on September 20, at the 701st Brigade Headquarters in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan in the City of Mati.

She highlighted the recent operations of the 48th and 66th Infantry Battalions, which finally ended the long-standing insurgency problem in this province by dismantling the Weakened Guerrilla Front 18. She also gave credit to the 67th Infantry Battalion, the long-serving battalion in the province with its significant role in clearing the areas in the province’s east coast towns. The 66th, 48th, and 67th IB are operating units working under the 701st Brigade.

The Governor said she is thankful for this welcome development as it was during her last term as Governor in 2013 when Davao Oriental was first proclaimed insurgency-free by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“For so long a time we have dreamt and worked on achieving peace… and for so long a time peace had eluded us. And now, finally, peace is no longer an elusive dream but a lucid one,” said the Governor.

“Knowing that there can be no peace without development, achieving peace by all means is a matter that had to be addressed with a sense of urgency. More than ever, we needed more military units to be assigned here,” said Governor Malanyaon, who was a part of the Brigade’s relocation to Davao Oriental in 2010.

701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oliver Maquiling lauded the army’s development partners’ efforts for all the peace and development success. “The Kagitingan Brigade gained prominence in the campaign against insurgency not only due to its strong and committed army leaders but adding more to the huge difference is the partnership with the local stakeholders, especially the Local Chief Executives,” Brig. Gen. Maquiling said.

“With inspiring impact, the partnership expanded and became wholistic with various government agencies, private organizations especially the Indigenous Peoples getting involved,” he added.

He also cited the innovations of partner stakeholders, particularly the Happy Home, a halfway house for former rebels, which was the brainchild of Governor Malanyaon. Since its establishment in 2013, hundreds of former Communist-Terrorist New People’s Army members have been processed and assisted as they transition to normal life in mainstream society.

Amidst all these feats, Brig. Gen. Maquiling vows to continue and strengthen their efforts to sustain the gains achieved so far.

Guest of honor and speaker Major General Andrew Costelo, Commander of the 7th Infantry Kaugnay Division, congratulated the 701st Brigade and the leadership of Brig. Gen. Maquiling, for the unit’s exemplary performance in maintaining peace and order in this part of the country.

“As I reminisce the accomplishments of this Brigade and what you have given back to the community, naisip ko na ang brigade na ito ay tunay na sinasalamin ang lahat ng sakripisyo at kagitingan ng ating kasundaluhan. From dismantling of Guerilla Front North and Guerilla Front South in 2021 to the dismantling of Guerilla Front 18 this month,” Maj. Gen. Costelo said.

He thanked the stakeholders for supporting the Brigade in achieving its mission. “I would also like to thank the stakeholders of this Brigade for putting your trust and support in our soldiers. Because of you, many locals have come to realize that the army comes in peace and wants nothing more than to bring peace and progress to this area,” he added.

To thank the stakeholders, the 701st Brigade conferred awards to the local development stakeholders and partners for their role and contributions to the Brigade’s mission of ensuring peace and development in the province of Davao Oriental. By Karen Lou Deloso | Photos by Mark Oliver Alvite