3ID marks Independence Day with Visayas peace gains

By Jennifer P. Rendon

JAMINDAN, Capiz — The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division marked Independence Day by reflecting not only on the country’s liberation from colonial rule but also on the peace and stability now enjoyed by communities in the Visayas.

Philippine Independence Day commemorates the country’s declaration of freedom from more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said the improved peace and order situation in Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and the Negros Island Region did not come easily.

Rather, “it was built through the sacrifices of our forefathers, the commitment of peace-loving Filipinos, and the blood of uniformed personnel who gave their lives in defense of our freedom and security,” he said during the Independence Day celebration program at the 3rd ID headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

Samson said their courage allows people to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future in a safer and more prosperous environment.

“The peace we enjoy today is a precious legacy and a shared responsibility. It is not enough to benefit from it, we must also protect it,” he said.

Samson also called on the public to remain vigilant, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen unity, patriotism, and cooperation.

“By doing our part, we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and ensure that the hard-earned blessings of peace and freedom endure for generations to come,” he said.

The Army official said the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan have been declared insurgency-free or placed under Stable Internal Peace and Security status through the sustained efforts of the 3rd ID and its partner agencies.

Samson earlier highlighted the 3rd ID’s 52-year role as a steadfast guardian of Western and Central Visayas and the Negros Island Region, citing its landmark victories and ongoing transformation to meet emerging security challenges.

The 3rd ID has credited its major security breakthroughs to intelligence-driven operations, civil-military partnerships, and the whole-of-nation approach under Executive Order No. 70, which created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Samson said the division delivered historic security gains through the dismantling of major guerrilla fronts in the region.

The 3rd ID has also helped facilitate 442 amnesty applications for former rebels, provided livelihood aid, and launched the localized Peace, Healing, and Reconciliation Program in Tapaz, Capiz.

The division also carried out 108 humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations across the region.

Samson said the 3rd ID boosted its force capability with a 100% highly trained rating, including strong readiness scores for the 12th, 82nd, and 61st Infantry Battalions.

He also cited the division’s performance during the bilateral Philippines-Australia Exercise Kasangga 2025-02.

Building on these hard-won tactical gains, Samson outlined the 3rd ID’s pivot to modern defense demands, including territorial defense operations, sharper combat posture, multi-domain interoperability against evolving external threats, and sustained peace in communities.