COTABATO City — Support for communist insurgents is waning in Cotabato City as rural communities distance themselves from the rebels, according to military officials.

Col. Rey Rico, assistant chief of staff for the 6th Infantry Division’s Civic-Military Office, reported that Maoist fighters of Sub Regional Committee (SRC) Daguma are relocating their makeshift bases farther from communities, signaling a decline in influence.

Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, confirmed that rebel camps are now situated away from civilian areas. He noted that conflict incidents in the region have decreased compared to other areas, indicating progress toward peace.

Here in Northern Mindanao, Col. Antonio Dulnuan Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division’s 403rd Brigade, addressed the same issue during a Philippine Information Agency press conference on March 18.

“There is no longer an organized mass base,” he said, adding that barangays and sitios previously affected by insurgency now show zero support for rebels.

Dulnuan also reported a sharp decline in rebel manpower, from around 10,000 fighters in 2019 — including those in North Central Mindanao — to just 71 active members today.

WANING SUPPORT TO REDS. Col. Rey Rico, assistant chief of staff of the 6th Infantry Division’s Civic-Military Office, speaks during a press conference in Cotabato City. He discussed the decline of communist insurgent support in rural communities and ongoing military efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. Photo by Cong B. Corrales

Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga echoed his remarks, crediting community support programs for clearing former conflict zones.

“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.

DILG data shows 3,107 former rebels have 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.

Meanwhile, despite ongoing local conflicts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao — driven by personal grudges, political rivalries, and land disputes — the military remains optimistic about the peace process.

Officials say the deployment of additional troops and the appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as interim chief minister have strengthened ties with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.