The conflict is concentrated in a few areas, particularly northern Mindanao, southern Luzon and parts of the Visayas, a set of smaller islands in the middle of the country. However, the battlefield victories have not resulted in a final resolution of the war. There is no question that peace and stability have returned to some parts of the Philippines. Some provinces in Luzon and the Visayas, as well as the Davao area and portions of central Mindanao, have seen minor economic improvements and a significant decrease in conflict. Meanwhile, in some areas of the archipelago, violence still takes lives and shatters the bonds between the state and society. Despite the counter-insurgency campaign, the southernmost island of Mindanao, which has long been a bastion for insurgents, still retains a number of districts under rebel control.