EIGHTY-NINE former communist rebels surrendered to the 56th Infantry (Tatag) Battalion on Wednesday, May 28, in Balimba Hills Activity Center, Sitio JBL, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
The former rebels turned over a total of 19 firearms and one improvised anti-personnel mine (IED) to the provincial government of Davao del Norte, the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, and other government agencies present.
To support their reintegration into mainstream society, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI awarded ₱1.1 million worth of livelihood assistance under its Integrated Livelihood Program.
Three people’s organizations benefited from the grant:
The Ata-Manobo Former Rebels Association received ₱300,000 worth of corn shellers. The Salawao Developmental Workers Association, and Tatag IP Parents-Scholars Association each received ₱400,000 worth of bakery equipment.
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10ID, praised the mass surrender as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace and development in the region.
“This collective return to the folds of the law is a clear manifestation that the people have grown tired of the false promises of the communist terrorist group,” Hambala stated.
He added, “With the support of the government and our partner agencies, we remain committed to helping our former rebels start anew and build better, peaceful lives.”
The surrender and the provision of livelihood grants underscore the government’s comprehensive approach to ending local communist armed conflict by combining military operations with socio-economic development initiatives.
Photos courtesy of 10th Infantry Division
