What can be done to manage peace in a complex conflict environment? This paper sought to inventory the security strategies employed by various stakeholders that have de-escalated armed violence in three conflict-affected villages in North Cotabato from 2002 to 2012. Desk review of military documents, news reports, and investigation reports conducted by a local conflict monitoring body produced a conflict map of the area to categorize the forms of conflict and the parties involved. Key informant interviews with pre-identified sources among military commanders, formal and traditional village leaders, and civil society groups yielded a list of innovative security strategies perceived to have been effective in preventing an outbreak of violence. Notable among these are the adjustments to ground operations made by battalion commanders and community-initiated efforts for conflict monitoring and civilian protection. Focus group discussions with enlisted personnel and village councils provided insights into the workings of local conflict mitigation efforts and their impact on improving community security. Further discussions are provided to describe the current conflict scenario and examine how the interventions applied by various actors worked towards de-escalating conflict.