The City Government of Davao, through its Peace 911 program, on Wednesday celebrated the second year of the city being insurgency-free.
Davao City was declared free from insurgent and terrorist entities on March 24, 2022.
Wednesday’s event at the Rizal Park was attended by Vice Mayor J Melchor Quitain Jr., Police Regional XI Regional Director for Administration PBGen Wilson Soliba, Task Force Haribon Deputy Commander BGen Consolito Yecla, Peace 911 Focal Person Atty. Jonah Presto, Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren Comia, DCPO City Director PCol Richard Bad-ang, Public Safety and Security Office Chief Angel Sumagaysay, City Councilor Luna Acosta, department heads, and friends-rescued.
The celebration was themed “Kalamboan ug Pinaghi-usa alang sa Malahutayong Kalinaw,” underlining the need for peace and unity in order to usher in significant progress and development.
According to the Peace 911, the expulsion of insurgent groups from the city’s territories has resulted to the realization of major infrastructure programs such as farm-to-market roads and government establishments in remote areas, particularly in Paquibato.
Yecla, reading a message from EastMinCom Commander LtGen Greg Almerol, said that it was the unity of all sectors of the community that led to the victory over violent forces.
“Kinahanglanon na ipadayon natong mapalig-on ang paghinausa og kooperasyon sa tanan aron makasiguro sa dugay na kalinaw og kauswagon sa atong hinigugmang siyudad (We need to continue to strengthen the unity and cooperation of all to ensure lasting peace and progress in our beloved city),” Yecla said.
“At the core of our efforts to bring peace is the empowerment of our communities,” he added.
In a speech read by Vice Mayor Quitain, Mayor Sebastion Duterte congratulated the armed forces and thanked them for their tireless service and sacrifices. He also urged everyone to stay committed to sustaining a harmonious coexistence.
“As we mark this occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving the hard-won peace and stability that we enjoy today. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand as one community to address the root causes of conflict, to promote inclusivity and social cohésion, and to build a future where all residents can live in safety, dignity and prosperity,” the mayor said.
The program ended with a symbolic releasing of doves and the signing of a commitment to peace. CIO