The peacebuilding campaign in Negros Occidental gained renewed backing from the Department of National Defense (DND) as provincial officials and military units in the Visayas strengthened their coordination against armed insurgency while expanding support for former rebels, disaster response, and community recovery.
Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. visited Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 23, to meet with Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, where discussions focused on localized peace efforts, reintegration programs, and the continuing role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in conflict-affected communities.
Teodoro commended the provincial government for sustaining local peace mechanisms and providing support to the Visayas Command as security forces continue operations against remnants of the communist armed movement in the province.
“Ang aming pwedeng gawin talaga ay masugpo ‘yung armado. Pero over and above that, ang ating mga sundalo ay tinatanggap ang mga returning rebels katulong ng local government,” Teodoro said.
“Kaya nga nandito rin ako para i-commend ang provincial government and all the officials of Negros Occidental for their firm stance because they’re also invested in the process,” he added.
The visit highlighted the role of local governments in the reintegration of former rebels, a process that extends beyond military operations and requires livelihood assistance, social services, and community-level coordination.
Teodoro said the AFP would continue working with Negros Occidental not only on internal security concerns, but also on disaster response and rehabilitation efforts, particularly as communities remain affected by the situation at Mt. Kanlaon.
The defense chief also defended recent military operations in Toboso and Cauayan, which resulted in the deaths of members of the armed communist group. He rejected allegations of irregularities and warned against what he described as attempts to use the casualties to revive calls for peace talks with communist rebels.
“They are using the tragic death of these 19 as a propaganda tool for them to gain relevance, power, and maybe they seek the status of legitimacy,” Teodoro said. “I’m sorry, it’s not going to fly.”
Beyond his meeting with provincial leaders, Teodoro visited the 79th Infantry Battalion in Sagay City and the 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan to personally thank troops involved in internal security operations, disaster response, and community development work.
He assured soldiers that the DND remains committed to supporting the AFP’s development and transformation as it carries out its mandate in the Visayas and other conflict-affected areas.
The DND said the visit underscored the importance of sustained cooperation among national agencies, local governments, and security forces in addressing insurgency while helping communities move toward recovery, stability, and long-term peace.