The Provincial Government of Bohol, under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, marked the 16th Provincial Day of Peace on February 11, 2026, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to sustaining the province’s insurgency-free status and advancing inclusive development anchored on unity and good governance.
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 annual celebration marks sixteen years since Bohol was first officially declared insurgency-free on February 11, 2010.
The historic declaration was made in a ceremony at the KR Resettlement in Brgy. Remedios, Danao, presided over by then-Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and attended by then-Governor Erico B. Aumentado and other government officials.
During this milestone event, the primary responsibility for addressing insurgency was formally transferred to the Civilian Government and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Following the declaration, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued a Letter of Instruction urging all local government units to adopt the Bohol model in combating insurgency—a framework that continues to guide the province’s peace and development efforts today.
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 (KR) beneficiaries. Eight (8) beneficiaries received ₱30,000 each in livelihood assistance and ₱10,000 in immediate financial support.
𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓. Eight (8) Kauban sa Reporma beneficiaries received ₱30,000 each in livelihood assistance and ₱10,000 in immediate financial support during the 16th Provincial Day of Peace held on February 11, 2026, at the Bohol Cultural Center. 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘆 𝗣𝗜𝗠𝗢/𝗔𝗗𝗢
To date, Bohol has 497 KR members organized into 15 clusters, namely Bilar, Batuan, Candijay, Antequera, Carmen, Alicia, Catigbian, Balilihan, Sevilla, Danao, San Pascual, Inabanga, TTBUS (Trinidad Talibon Bien Unido San Miguel), BCRFA (Bayanihan Community Resettlement Farmers Association of Tuburan, Ubay), and LOCILA (Los Angeles Community Integrated Livelihood Association).
The number does not yet include the 13 former rebels or KRs who surrendered recently and are still undergoing the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC) processing.
Furthermore, 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 a keynote speaker; Lt. Col. Dennis Martinez, 47th IB Commander; and Lt. Col. Hernan Legaspi, representing the PNP Provincial Director, PCOL. Patricio Degay Jr.; Carmelita Tecson, Head of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development; Romeo Teruel, PTF-ELCAC Focal Person; representatives of Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado and Congressman John Geesnell Yap; Board Member Joahna Initay; and other distinguished guests.
In the keynote message delivered by LTC 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.
As the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol continues to demonstrate that peace, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development are mutually reinforcing pillars of governance.
The Kauban sa Reporma Congress aligns with the Provincial Government’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, further strengthening institutional efforts to preserve stability while fostering equitable growth across all municipalities.
Sixteen years after its insurgency-free declaration, Bohol stands firm in its resolve to protect the gains of peace—ensuring that harmony, resilience, and shared responsibility remain at the heart of its continuing progress. (PIMO/MAPI)
