Malapatan, Sarangani – November 25, 2024 – A former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to government authorities, marking another step toward peace and reintegration in the region.
The individual, identified only by the alias “Mar,” is a 33-year-old farmer, married, and a resident of Sitio Maligang, Barangay Sapu Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani Province. “Mar” was affiliated with the dismantled Guerilla Front 71, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), under the command of “Yoyong.” He surrendered at Purok Upper Lasang, Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.
Authorities facilitated the surrender through the intensified implementation of Internal Security Operations under Oplan DIAMODA. The collaborative effort involved multiple agencies, including the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SPMFC), Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12), Sarangani Police Provincial Office (SPPO) Provincial Intelligence Unit, Malapatan Municipal Police Station, Alpha Company of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG 12), and Sarangani Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA).
During the surrender, “Mar” turned over one MK2 fragmentation grenade, symbolizing his commitment to leaving his insurgent activities behind. He is now under the custody of the 1st SPMFC at the Sarangani Police Provincial Office in Kawas, Alabel, Sarangani Province, where authorities are processing his documentation and facilitating his application to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
E-CLIP is a government initiative designed to assist former rebels in reintegrating into society, offering them livelihood assistance, psychosocial support, and other benefits as they transition to peaceful and productive lives.
Local authorities lauded “Mar”’s decision, emphasizing that his surrender reflects the growing success of peace-building initiatives and the strong collaboration among government agencies to end local insurgency. They also encouraged other active members of the CTG to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government programs to support their reintegration.
“This surrender is a testament to the effectiveness of our collective efforts to bring about peace and order in Sarangani,” said a representative from the Sarangani Police Provincial Office. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our communities and supporting former rebels in starting anew.”
The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region, urging continued support from communities and stakeholders to sustain these gains and foster long-term development in Sarangani Province.