Asuncion, Davao del Norte – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) welcomed the surrender of 35 former New People’s Army (NPA) members, along with 20 firearms, marking a significant victory in the region’s ongoing efforts to end insurgency. The rebels, from various NPA units operating in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Agusan del Sur, chose to abandon armed conflict and rejoin peaceful society.
The surrender was formalized in a ceremony attended by Brigadier General Felix Ronnie Babac, Commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, and Major General Allan Hambala, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division (10ID). Colonel Jorry Baclor represented EMC Commander Lieutenant General Luis Rex D. Bergante in welcoming the former rebels.
“We are witnessing a turning point where more individuals are choosing the path of peace over violence. This is a result of continuous efforts to foster inclusive development and reconciliation in the region,” said Brigadier General Babac. The former combatants were also accompanied by their firearms, a symbol of their commitment to laying down their arms.
Insurgency in the Davao Region: A Longstanding Struggle
The Davao region has been a hotbed of communist insurgency for decades, primarily led by the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The group has been waging guerrilla warfare against the Philippine government since 1969, advocating for the establishment of a Maoist state. At its height, the NPA had thousands of fighters scattered across the country, with the Davao region serving as one of its key operational areas.
The region’s terrain, coupled with issues of poverty and underdevelopment, provided fertile ground for the insurgency to thrive. However, in recent years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have intensified military operations and community development programs under Executive Order 70, which established a “whole-of-nation” approach to end local communist armed conflict.
Government Peace Initiatives Paying Off
The EMC has been actively promoting localized peace talks, livelihood assistance, and deradicalization programs as part of its strategy to weaken the NPA’s influence. These initiatives, along with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), offer former rebels financial aid, housing, and livelihood training to help them reintegrate into society.
“The surrender of these former NPA members is a testament to the effectiveness of our peace and development initiatives. We are determined to bring long-lasting peace to Eastern Mindanao,” said Major General Hambala.
The recent surrender reflects a broader trend of dwindling NPA forces in the region. According to military sources, intensified operations, coupled with community outreach programs, have substantially reduced the NPA’s strength in Eastern Mindanao, once considered a stronghold of the insurgent group.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Peace
As more NPA fighters lay down their arms, the government remains optimistic that the end of the decades-long communist insurgency in the region is within reach. The EMC’s efforts, supported by local governments and various peace-oriented organizations, aim to provide former rebels with opportunities to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.
In closing, Colonel Baclor emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “Every life saved from the path of violence is a step closer to the peace that we all aspire to achieve in Mindanao. The government is ready to welcome and support those who wish to abandon armed struggle.”
The surrender of this platoon, along with their firearms, is a hopeful sign of the region’s gradual transition from conflict to peace, as former rebels reintegrate and contribute to the broader efforts of reconciliation and development in Eastern Mindanao.
