Lanao town declared terrorist-free

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December 5, 2025 | 12:00am

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military and the municipal government of Binidayan in Lanao del Sur have declared the town free from the influence of terrorist organizations Dawlah Islamiyah and Maute Group.

The town was also cleared of communist insurgents, who once made Binidayan a lair of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The municipal council presented a resolution showing the collective stand of the community against terrorism during a peace rally led by the local government, the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion and the police.

At the rally, the people and the security sector burned flags of the NPA and the international terrorist group Islamic State.

Binidayan Mayor Sodais Dimaporo thanked the people for protecting the town against extremist violence.

“The terrorist-free declaration is a significant step toward attaining lasting peace and security. The people’s courage and unity are the true foundations of lasting peace,” Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara, chief of the Army’s 101st Brigade, said.