Eighty-seven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels pledged their commitment to peace during a mass surrender on Barangay Nacabuclad, San Fernando, Bukidnon on Friday.
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Philippine Army, in partnership with the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office, presented the 87 former rebels to the local officials of San Fernando, Bukidnon during the activity.
The former rebels were members of the New People’s Army’s Sub-Regional Command 2 (NPA-SRC2) under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
Hambala said the group turned over 17 firearms, including four high-powered weapons.
In his speech, Hambala encouraged the surrenderees to move forward with renewed hope and patriotism.
“Let us think about the future of our children and grandchildren, so that positive change and progress can enter your lives. Embrace the path of peace and reconciliation for the betterment of our communities,” Hambala said.
The local government unit (LGU) of San Fernando also vowed to assist the former rebels through programs offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to enable them to unlock their potential in various socio-economic activities.
The LGU of San Fernando acknowledged the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for its role in harmonizing government interventions, ensuring sustainable support for the reintegration of former rebels.
Meanwhile, Jimboy Mandagit, a former key commander of NPA-SRC2, praised the local government for dismantling the remaining NCMRC elements and fostering the reintegration and growth of the former rebels.
Mandagit was a former staff of “Ka Oris” and also served as a spokesperson during the Haran days.
“Kami sinsero ug tinud-anay nga mibalik mi sa sabakan sa gobyerno. Amo ning gipangdala ang among mga armas gikan sa kabukiran para pagmatuod nga kami nagbag-o ug andam nami mangayo ug pasaylo kung mapatud-an nga nakasala kami kaniadto. Karon andam nami mag-usab ug andam nami makig-alayon sa programa sa gobyerno,” Mandagit told the media.
Earlier this month, Hambala commended the performance of the Agila Troopers, highlighting the division’s exemplary medical program and celebrating the successful dismantling of Sub-Regional Sentro de Gravidad (SRSDG) Peddler and the dissolution of NPA Weakened Guerilla Front 57 (WGF57).
Hambala expressed gratitude to all brigades, battalions, and line units that contributed to making the Davao Region insurgency-free.
“Our success is not merely a milestone but a responsibility, a call to sustain the peace we have worked so hard to achieve. Let us remain vigilant, proactive, and united in sustaining our gains,” Hambala said.
In October 2022, the Regional Peace and Order Council–Davao (RPOC-11) signed a resolution declaring Davao Region insurgency-free as of Sept. 19, 2022.
