THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EMC) welcomes the surrender of 35 former New People’s Army (NPA) members from various units across Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Agusan Sur.
These individuals also turned over 20 firearms, marking a significant step in their decision to abandon armed struggle and reintegrate into society.
Brigadier General Felix Ronnie Babac, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, and Major General Allan Hambala, the commander of 10ID, presented the group of 20 rebels to Lieutenant General Luis Rex D. Bergante, commander of EMC, who was represented by Colonel Jorry Baclor, the chief of Unified Command Staff.
Facilitated by the 60th Infantry Battalion, the surrender was made possible through the efforts of Loreto Mayor Lorife M. Otaza, Kapalong Mayor Maria Theresa R. Timbol, and Laak Mayor Antonio L. Libuangan.
Notable among the surrenderers were SMRC Execom member Marion Bagayas Fronteras, a former secretary of the Regional Peasant Bureau and secretary of the Dismantled Guerilla Front (DGF) 25, and Christianne Petiluna, SMRC and KOMMID Propaganda staff. Both had warrants of arrest but chose to cooperate with the arresting unit.
Other surrenderers included members from DGF 34, DGF 33, and DGF 3. Additionally, SMRC Ordnance staff Romeo Landero Libron Jr. and former NPA and chairman of the CTG front/above-ground legal organization Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Laak (NAMULAK), Ruel Catambacan Carbonilla, surrendered.
Carbonilla admitted his involvement in running the CTG underground peasant movement Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid (PKM), which serves as a recruitment pool for the NPA and provides logistical support.
Their surrender led to the recovery of 16 high-powered and four low-powered firearms. This follows the surrender of 15 former NPAs to 60IB two months prior.
Babac emphasized the military’s ongoing focus on sustainment operations to locate remaining insurgents.
Hambala highlighted the importance of monitoring the implementation of NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program (BDP) projects to address the concerns of the people and prevent further conflict.
He noted that Agila troopers continue to deploy the Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) in areas previously cleared of insurgency.
Baclor, reading Bergante’s message, countered the CPP-NPA-NDF’s narrative that the military seeks violent confrontations.
He referenced the recent deaths of 12 NPA members in nine encounters in Northeast Mindanao within two months.
Bergante expressed that there is no glory in the death of NPA rebels and encouraged the remaining members to surrender, emphasizing the government’s amnesty program and the opportunity for a peaceful life with livelihood support.
The Eastern Mindanao Command reaffirmed its commitment to peace through dialogue, reconciliation, and community development.
It calls on those still bearing arms to lay them down and work towards a future of harmony and hope.
