THE Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Northern Mindanao declared that there is no longer organized mass base support for insurgents in Region 10.
Colonel Antonio Dulnuan Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division’s (4ID) 403rd Brigade, made the statement during a press conference hosted by the Philippine Information Agency today, March 18.
Dulnuan was responding to Gabriela Party-list Representative Arlyn Brosas, who recently urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to abolish ELCAC, arguing that it has been used for abuse, suppression, and human rights violations rather than peacebuilding.
Dismissing the claim, Dulnuan asserted, "There is no longer an organized mass base."
He said barangays and sitios previously affected by insurgency now show zero support for rebel groups.
Dulnuan also highlighted a sharp decline in rebel manpower, from approximately 10,000 fighters in 2019 — including those in North Central Mindanao — to just 71 active members today.
"She claims we have done nothing, but the facts speak for themselves. We have achieved so much," he said.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga echoed Dulnuan’s statement, noting that community support programs have helped clear former conflict areas.
“There have been significant changes in these communities. Many barangays that were once conflict-affected are now cleared,” Sunga said, citing improvements in water and energy services led by local barangay units.
According to DILG data, 3,107 former rebels have been reintegrated into society through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Surigao del Norte was declared insurgency-free last year, while Misamis Occidental has been placed under a State of Internal Peace and Security.
