On October 30, 2024, a group of eighteen members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including four full-time operatives and fourteen supporters, voluntarily surrendered to the 48th Infantry Battalion (48IB) at its headquarters in Purok-10, South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon. The coordinated operation involved personnel from the 48IB and the Bukidnon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), illustrating the sustained collaborative efforts by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in their campaign to dismantle insurgency and foster peace within local communities.
During the surrender, the former NPA members handed over three rifles, a .45 caliber pistol, and various subversive documents. Following their voluntary surrender, the individuals were placed in the custody of the 48IB, where they will undergo assessment and processing to participate in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). This government-led initiative is designed to assist former rebels in reintegrating into society by providing resources, livelihood support, and other assistance to facilitate their transition back to civilian life.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Acting Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), commended this accomplishment, highlighting the joint efforts of the AFP, PNP, and local community in securing peace and stability in Northern Mindanao. “I commend these individuals for their courage to surrender to the folds of the law. PRO10, along with the AFP and other law enforcement agencies, assures that those who surrender will be treated with dignity and provided with the necessary support for their reintegration,” he said.
PRO10 and the AFP have reiterated their commitment to sustaining peace and development efforts across Northern Mindanao, aiming to encourage more former insurgents to abandon armed struggle and contribute to building safer and more resilient communities. This recent surrender underscores the importance of government programs like E-CLIP, which offer a path toward reconciliation and societal reintegration, furthering the nation’s vision of a lasting peace.
