NINETY Former Rebels (FRs) were formally welcomed back into mainstream society during a ceremonial turnover of firearms held at the Governor Vicente T. Pimentel Multi-purpose Hall, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Oct. 30, 2024.
The provincial government unit and the 4th Infantry Division initiated the event to highlight the significant achievements 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 also sought to encourage remaining members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to give up their arms.
The former rebels surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) and the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), under the operational control of 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.
They were presented to Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, along with 36 high-powered firearms that they also surrendered.
Several key officials attended the event, including Brigadier General Francisco P. Lorenzo Jr., commander of the 401st Brigade; Brigadier General Arsenio D.C. Sadural, commander of the 901st Brigade; Colonel Harry Domingo, provincial director of the SDS Provincial Police Office; Hershey Nunez, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office officer; Rizza D. Sion, director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in SDS; Dr. Eric Montesclaros, the [rovincial health officer; and the commanding officers of the 36th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, 29th Infantry Battalion, and 75th Infantry Battalion.
BGen. Lorenzo Jr. and BGen. Sadural gave their message of support to the FRs for their reintegration process and expressed optimism about declaring the province a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) once all areas are free of the influence of communist terrorist groups.
The presentation of former rebels followed a series of focused military operations targeting components of a communist terrorist group (CTG) in Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, in September.
As a key highlight of the event, Pimentel led the former rebels in taking an oath of allegiance to the government. The act signified their genuine commitment to abandoning the CTG and embracing a life of peace.
Pimentel thanked the former rebels for their decision to lay down their arms and respond to the call for peace and reconciliation. He assured them of the local government’s continued support as they embarked on a new life.
Under his leadership, the province remains committed to achieving peace and will consistently support the peace initiatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
In a statement, 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 through the E-CLIP.
He emphasized that the 4ID will continue to build on its achievements and collaborate closely with local government units to promote lasting peace and development to resolve the long-standing insurgency issue in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
“These recent developments demonstrate the exceptional dedication and commitment of our troops. Rest assured, we will remain steadfast in our mission to combat the CTG and to create peaceful communities that foster progress. To those who have surrendered, your decision to return to the folds of the law is a significant step in supporting our government’s efforts toward peace and reconciliation in Surigao del Sur,” Cuerpo said.
Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division
