By PR/PIMO | 11:24PM February 11, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The provincial government of Bohol, led by Governor Aris Aumentado, commemorated the 16th Provincial Day of Peace on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, reaffirming its firm commitment to maintaining the province’s insurgency-free status.
The observance, organized through the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD), featured the Kauban sa Reporma Congress held at the Bohol Cultural Center.
This year’s celebration carried the theme “Kahiusahan para sa Malahutayong Kalinaw sa Bohol,” emphasizing unity as the sustaining force behind long-term peace, stability, and socio-economic progress.
Since its insurgency-free declaration, Bohol has strengthened peace and order mechanisms, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and intensified community-based reintegration programs aligned with the Strategic Governance Roadmap of the Capitol.
In the message of Governor Aumentado delivered by Vice Governor Nicanor Pacifico Besas Jr., the governor underscored the fundamental role of peace as the cornerstone of development.
“Tumong niining atong panagtapok nga ipakita sa tanan ang dakong importansya sa kalinaw ug kahapsay isip pundasyon sa paglambo sa atong lalawigan,” the Governor’s message stated.
He likewise reiterated the provincial government’s continuing call for those who remain outside the folds of the law to return and avail themselves of government reintegration programs, emphasizing that pathways toward reconciliation and renewed opportunity remain open.
A key component of the celebration was the provision of assistance to Kauban sa Reporma beneficiaries. Eight (8) beneficiaries received ₱30,000 each in livelihood assistance and ₱10,000 in immediate financial support.
To date, Bohol has 497 KR members organized into 15 clusters in different towns.
The number does does not include yet the 13 former rebels or KRs who surrendered recently and still undergoing the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee proceesing.
Furtheremore, the KR program forms part of the broader reintegration framework under the government’s peace and development initiatives. It provides former rebels with structured support mechanisms designed to facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society through sustainable livelihood opportunities and community engagement.
The event was attended by key national and local officials, including Lt. Col. Joseph Aldanese, Mindanao Coordinator of Task Force Balik Loob, who was invited as invited as a keynote speaker; Lt. Col. Dennis Martinez, 47th Infanty Battalion Commander; Lt. Col. Hernan Legaspi, representing PNP Provincial Director Police Colonel Patricio Degay Jr.; Carmelita Tecson, head of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development; Romeo Teruel, Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-Elcac) focal person; representatives of Representatives Vanessa Aumentado and John Geesnell Yap; Board Member Joahna Initay; and other distinguished guests.
In the keynote message delivered by Aldanese on behalf of Undersecretary Angelito De Leon, it was emphasized that lasting peace is anchored on collective responsibility and active participation across sectors.
“Ang tunay na kapayapaan ay nagsisimula sa pagkakaisa. Kinahanglan nga atoang paglig-onon ang dayalogo, ang respeto sa lain-laing pananaw, ug ang aktibo nga partisipasyon sa tanang sektor,” the message conveyed.
The annual celebration marks 16 years since Bohol was officially declared insurgency-free on February 11, 2010. The declaration was made during a ceremony at the KR Resettlement in Barangay Remedios, Danao, led by then Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and attended by then Governor Erico Aumentado and other officials.
