CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Every year, Northern Mindanao unfolds a unique narrative, and 2023 was no exception, drawing significant national attention. This time, Misamis Occidental province took center stage.
Following the shear line floods in December 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited Misamis Occidental and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental in early January 2023. These visits resulted in long-term policies, focusing on disaster-resilient infrastructure projects and social welfare programs.
In response to the floods, the provincial government collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide cash assistance to affected residents.
The year also witnessed incidents demanding justice, such as the killing of community broadcaster Juan Jumalon in Calamba town on Nov. 5. This event triggered condemnations from media groups, public officials, and President Marcos. Subsequent investigations led to the identification of suspects and the filing of murder charges.
Governor Henry Oaminal directed law enforcement to address not only Jumalon's murder but also other related incidents, including an October 15 blast in Clarin, the October 23 shooting of Calamba Municipal engineer Jopson Baones, and an October 28 grenade-throwing incident at the house of Calamba Mayor Luisito Villanueva.
Tragedy struck again with the death of Riza Ramos Daniel in a blast at the Mindanao State University-Main Campus gymnasium in Marawi City on Dec. 3. The incident prompted collaborative efforts between the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, the Marawi City government, and law enforcement. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to a local terrorist group.
The year saw changes in military and police leadership, with Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II taking over as commander of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division and Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug replacing Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop as PRO-10 director. Both leaders continued efforts to maintain peace and order, addressing insurgency and anti-drug campaigns.
Major events included the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 30, marked by police and military deployments to ensure peace. While there were reports of vote buying, the overall conduct was described as "generally peaceful."
Issues like limited rice supply and increased prices led to the issuance of Executive Order 39, imposing price ceilings and providing assistance to affected farmers and retailers. Despite challenges, the region's economy showed resilience, with a forecast of stable growth for 2023, based on a positive economic outlook and a 7.2 percent gross regional domestic product growth in 2022.
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