THE 27TH Infantry “Action” Battalion, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Franklin Garcia, presented 13 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Dec. 18, 2024, at the Malabog Barangay Hall in Paquibato District, Davao City.
The presentation included two high-powered firearms, live ammunition, a 6.6 lbs improvised explosive device (IED), and subversive documents.
These 13 individuals, referred to as “friends rescued,” were former members of dismantled NPA units previously operating in the hinterlands of Davao City.
Most of them were members of the disbanded Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 1 and 2, led by the notorious NPA leader Leandro “Parago” Pitao.
They went into hiding for fear of being killed upon capture, a false doctrine propagated by the NPA.
The presentation was the result of the relentless efforts of the 27th Infantry “Action” Battalion to locate the insurgent remnants and facilitate their reintegration into mainstream society. This initiative aligns with the 1003rd Brigade’s framework for preventing the resurgence of insurgency, focusing on reconciling former rebels and their families with the government.
In his speech, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Marion Angcao, thanked the rebels for turning themselves in.
“Hopefully, you will also convince your comrades to return to folds of the law. It’s better to surrender formally and clear their names or cases they face, so they could go home to their communities without worry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, represented by Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto, PEACE 911 focal person, graced the occasion as the guest of honor.
“Kami sa PEACE 911 and the Local Government of Davao are opening the lines of communication between you and us. We will listen to your concerns or needs. If there are any who haven’t finished their education and want to go back to school, we will support you. We want you to move forward, and to have a second chance. Not everyone in the movement gets this kind of opportunity. If you know anyone who is still hiding, encourage them to accept this chance to change and improve their lives. It’s not just you who will work for this change; I will also do my part. We are with you—PEACE 911, CSWDO, the AFP, PNP, and even the barangay of Paquibato—we will help and support your efforts, and we will not abandon you,” she said.
The Peace 911, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Public Safety and Security Command Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Police Station 7, DCPO, showed their support for the event.
Photos courtesy of 27th IB
