Lumbaca Unayan Declares Liberation from Terrorist Influence, Launches New Peace Task Force

The Municipal Council of Lumbaca Unayan in Lanao del Sur proclaimed on Thursday, November 20, 2025, that the municipality has been cleared of the influence of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) and the New People's Army (NPA).

Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Gaviola, commander of the 64th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that this declaration was formalized through Municipal Council Resolutions 16 and 17. He emphasized that these resolutions represent the community’s unified rejection of terrorism and local armed militants.

To commemorate the declaration, a peace rally took place at the municipal hall in Barangay Oriental Beta. The event also marked the establishment of the Municipal Task Force-Ending Local Armed Conflict (MT-ELAC), designed as a strategic mechanism to maintain peace and deter the resurgence of violent extremist groups in the area. MT-ELAC aligns closely with the national government’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The celebration featured a motorcade, a walk rally, and the symbolic burning of the ISIS flag to demonstrate the community’s strong stand against violent extremism.

The DI-MG has been linked to numerous civilian casualties and widespread fear throughout affected localities. Gaviola described the day as a pivotal moment for Lumbaca Unayan, saying, "Today marks a turning point for our municipality. By standing together, we send a powerful message that we will never allow fear, violence, or extremism to rule our community again." He also praised the community’s bravery, stating, "Your courage to stand against extremism is the true foundation of lasting peace."

The declaration follows recent successful security operations on November 15 in Pagayawan, where authorities neutralized Najib Laguindab, alias Abu Jihad, a key DI-MG leader. Brigadier General Yasser Bara of the 1101st Infantry Brigade noted that Abu Jihad was responsible for orchestrating the December 3, 2023 bombing at Mindanao State University’s Dimaporo Gymnasium in Marawi City, which resulted in four deaths and 50 injuries during a mass.

Gaviola stated that Abu Jihad’s elimination significantly diminished extremist sway across Lanao del Sur and reinforced the importance of grassroots peace efforts.

With MT-ELAC now operational, the municipal government, military, and police have committed to reinforcing peace initiatives, improving inter-agency coordination, and advancing development programs to fortify Lumbaca Unayan against future radicalization.

This collective stance represents a major advancement toward a safer, more peaceful Lanao del Sur predicated on cooperation, vigilance, and optimism.