FIVE REMAINING members, including a liaison officer of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Northern Mindanao, surrendered to government forces in Bukidnon, bringing with them firearms, on June 5, 2025.
The surrender was the result of a joint operation conducted by troops from the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID) and the Philippine National Police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion Region 10.
Lieutenant Colonel Emilio T. Bautista, commanding officer of the 1SFBn, identified one of the surrenderers as a liaison/communication staff, while the others were regular members of the communist rebel group. The former rebels also turned over an M16 rifle and an M203 grenade launcher.
According to military reports, the surrenderers cited extreme exhaustion, hunger, and a desire for safety as their primary reasons for laying down their arms.
Their decision comes amid intensified offensives by the 4ID against remaining NPA elements in the region.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4ID, welcomed the development, stating that it “is a clear manifestation of the unwavering efforts of the government to finally end local communist armed conflict and make former foes into friends.”
“We acknowledge the bravery of these surrenderers to lay down their arms and work hand in hand with us to end insurgency. This is a positive step towards achieving our goal,” Major General Anayron Jr. said.
He further reiterated the military’s commitment to sustained operations: “We want to reiterate that we will remain resolute in eliminating the threat posed by NPA through hunting down those remnants who still fight against us in the mountains and conduct harassments to our peace-loving communities.”
