Local executives in Central Mindanao have expressed elation over the grant of streamer awards to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and its two brigades by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on December 19, 2025. The awards were given for the units’ success in neutralizing two terror groups and securing the surrender of hundreds of communist insurgents in the region. The 6th ID and the 601st and 603rd Infantry Brigades received the streamer awards during a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, which was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 90th founding anniversary commemoration. Governors Emmylou Mendoza of Cotabato and Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. of South Cotabato praised the units for their achievements, citing their role in the government’s anti-terror campaign in Region 12 and the Bangsamoro region. The 6th ID and the two brigades have worked together with local government units to reintegrate over 1,000 members of the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters into their local communities. Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, attributed their success to the support of local communities, while Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, noted that their units have worked with local government units to secure the surrender of 715 terrorists in the past 36 months. The 6th ID also received a streamer award for hosting security drills with Indonesian military units and for its role in the rehabilitation of almost 2,000 terrorists who have pledged allegiance to the government. Local officials, including Maguindanao del Norte Vice Gov. Marshall Sinsuat, have expressed support for the 6th ID’s peacebuilding efforts, which involve extensive community involvement.
