Eastern Visayas gains ground as CTG influence dwindle, communities turn to peace and development

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 16, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – As Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) strength and influence continue to decline in Eastern Visayas, communities once affected by insurgency are gaining greater confidence to pursue a future defined not by fear and conflict, but by peace, government services, and development.

The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), highlighted this progress during the 3rd Quarter Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-8) Meeting on September 15, 2026, at Pacific Point, San Jose, Tacloban City.

The transformation is reflected not only in security figures but in what happens when armed-group influence recedes, government services can reach farther, development projects can move forward, livelihoods can grow, and families can live with greater confidence in their communities.

From January 1 to August 30, government forces recorded 21 encounters with CTG elements, resulting in five deaths and 38 surrenders, with 48 firearms recovered. More significantly, the figures point to a shrinking capacity of remaining CTG elements to sustain operations, recruit new members, and exert coercion or influence over communities.

Through initiatives such as the Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Teams (MCSSTs), the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), and the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), government interventions are reaching geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, addressing the very gaps in services and opportunities that armed groups have historically exploited.

The continuing expansion of stable communities is reflected in the validation of 119 of 149 municipalities, cities, and provinces in Eastern Visayas as having Stable Internal Peace and Security Conditions (SIPSC).

Behind this milestone are communities increasingly able to plan beyond survival – to build roads and facilities, expand livelihoods, send children to school, strengthen local governance, and welcome opportunities for investment and growth.

The shift is also evident among former members and supporters of the armed movement. A total of 2,295 former rebels (FRs) have applied for amnesty, signaling that more individuals are choosing reintegration over continued involvement in the armed struggle.

Brigadier General Niceforo Diaz Jr., Assistant Division Commander of 8ID, attributed the gains to the sustained efforts of Joint Task Force Storm and the cooperation of government agencies, local governments, stakeholders, and communities.

“This progress reflects our collective commitment to ending insurgency and achieving long-term peace and development in Eastern Visayas,” Diaz said.

Brig.Gen. Diaz stressed that sustaining the gains requires continued convergence among security, governance, development, and reintegration efforts, including the prompt completion of remaining development projects.

For remaining CTG members, the changing situation presents a clear choice. As their organization loses strength and community support, the space to sustain the armed campaign continues to shrink. Meanwhile, opportunities to return to their families, rebuild their lives, and become productive members of society remain open.