EIGHTY-SEVEN former rebels, including a key commander, surrendered to the 89th Infantry Battalion in a ceremony held in San Fernando Bukidnon, on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The group, led by Jimboy Duyan Mandagit, commander of Sub Regional Command 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), laid down 17 firearms, including four high-powered rifles such as M4s and Garands.
The former rebels were welcomed by Congressman Jonathan Keith Flores (2nd District, San Fernando), Vice Mayor Levi Edma, Major General Allan Hambala (commander, 10th Infantry Division), Brigadier General Marion Angcao (commander, 1003rd Infantry Brigade), Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Bulao (commander, 89th IB), and Colonel Jovit Culaway of the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office.
This surrender marked a potential turning point in the effort to quell insurgency in the areas overseen by the 4th and 10th Infantry Divisions, where the NCMRC has been operating, mostly comprising Matigsalog and Tigwahanon tribes.
Each of the former rebels will receive financial assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to aid their reintegration into civilian life.
Maj Gen Allan Hambala, commander of 10th ID, said, “Akong hangyo lang sa inyo na unta kung unsa atong gibuhat karon seryosohon nato (I hope you will take seriously what we have done here),” Hambala said in his message during the mass surrender ceremony on Friday.
“Unta sa atong gibuhat karon maoy sinugdanan sa tanang kabag ohan ug suportahan nato tanang lakang sa panggamhanan paingon sa inyong pag bag-o sa kinabuhi (Hopefully, this would kickstart all the changes and we will support all steps to your new lives)” he added.
Municipal Mayor Rogelio Yeke in his message also promised to pursue projects that would improve farm-to-market roads and the education of the families in remote villages.
Meanwhile, Congressman Flores, In his message said, “We are here all as we show and express our gratitude and support in your return to the government.”
Brig Gen. Angcao also said their surrender showed the effectiveness of the government’s E-CLIP program.
Lt. Col. Bulao, the 89IB commander in his message said, “We are proud to present to all of you the 87 former members and victims of communist groups, who are willing to change and enjoy the good development in our area.”
“Nakita nila kung unsa ka seryoso atong gobyerno sa atong adbokasiya (They saw how serious the government is in its advocacies) and especially yung E-CLIP and the convergence of the different agencies of the government,” Bulao added.
It can be remembered last May 28, 2024, the Municipality of San Fernando, Bukidnon was declared insurgency-free, followed by the towns of Kadingilan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Dangcagan.
Datu Jimboy Mandagit
“Dako mi ug pasalamat sa gobyerno Kay gitagaan mi ug ikaduhang kinabuhi nga Dili angayan Kay kami nakalapas sa balaud (We thank the government for giving us a second chance that we didn’t deserve because we violated the law),” Datu Jimboy, 33, said in an interview on the sidelines of the mass surrender ceremony on Friday.
“Ako manawagan nga ana pa sa kabukiiran nga mo surrender na balik na ngadto sa sabakan sa gobyerno (I call on those who are still in the mountains to surrender and return to the folds of the law),” he added.
Also, Ka Dennis, 35, a former regular member of the NPA, aired the same call adding that he had been in the movement for six years.
