A total of 90 former rebels (FRs) have returned to mainstream society, officially welcomed during a presentation of FRs and a ceremonial turnover of firearms in Surigao del Sur.
The FRs surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) and the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), which operate under the 901st Infantry Brigade, along with the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Infantry Brigade, as well as the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office.
According to Lt. Col. Francisco Garello, Chief of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Public Affairs Office, the activity aimed to highlight the significant accomplishments achieved through the joint efforts of the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and various government agencies under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee of the province.
The event sought to encourage remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to surrender, aligning with the ultimate goal of ending local communist armed conflict in the province, as stated by Garello.
They were presented to Surigao del Sur Governor Hon. Alexander T. Pimentel, along with 36 high-powered firearms of various calibers that they also surrendered.
Hon. Pimentel led the former rebels in taking an Oath of Allegiance to the government, an act that represented their genuine commitment to abandon the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and embrace a life of peace.
The presentation of former rebels followed a series of focused military operations targeting components of a communist terrorist group (CTG) operating in Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, in September.
These operations resulted in several successful surrenders.
Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), commended the former rebels for seizing the opportunity to reunite with their families and build productive lives with government support through E-CLIP.
He emphasized that 4ID will continue building on its achievements and collaborating closely with local government units (LGUs) to promote lasting peace and development, aiming to resolve long-standing insurgency issues in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
“To those who have surrendered, your decision to return to the folds of law is a significant step in supporting our government’s efforts toward peace and reconciliation in Surigao del Sur,” he said.
