CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – A former high-ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has voluntarily surrendered to government forces, marking another success in the ongoing peace efforts in Northern Mindanao.
Carlito Dahunay Lindahay, also known as AKA Yama, a 61-year-old resident of Sitio Lantad, Barangay Kibanban, Balingasag, turned himself in to Lt. Col. Leoncito I. Grezula Jr., Battalion Commander of the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB), on March 3, 2025. His surrender was facilitated by the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Kinoguitan and Balingasag, the Provincial LGU of Misamis Oriental, as well as the Municipal Police Stations (MPS) of Kinoguitan and Balingasag, and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC).
Lindahay had been a member of the CPP-NPA since 1991, dedicating 34 years to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). Aside from being a full-time combatant, he served as the Education and Propaganda officer of the Sub-regional Committee (SRC) 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) from 2018 to 2021.
His surrender is attributed to the 58IB’s TRIAD Swarming Concept, which integrates Focused Military Operations (FMOs), intelligence gathering, Mobile Community Support Sustainment Teams (MCSST), and coordination with barangay officials and LGUs. This strategic approach aims to neutralize the remaining forces of the SRSDG EAGLES and weaken the group’s operational capacity.
During the official meeting following his surrender, Lt. Col. Grezula commended Lindahay for making the bold decision to return to the fold of the law. He assured Lindahay of the military’s support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) under Executive Order 70. The program includes reintegration assistance, livelihood opportunities, and an application to the Amnesty Program, which enables former rebels to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens and rebuild their lives.
Lindahay cited the government’s sincerity and continuous efforts to encourage former rebels to surrender as key factors in his decision. “I have seen the efforts of the government, especially the 58IB, in ending the conflict in our area. I have also heard about the programs in the barangays and how they reached out to my family. I am old now, and I miss my family. I see changes in the government, and there is no reason for me to continue being part of the NPA,” he said in the local dialect.
Brigadier General Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr., Commander of the 402nd Brigade, also lauded the collaborative efforts of the 58IB, local government units, and law enforcement agencies in assisting individuals like Lindahay who choose to transition back into mainstream society.
Authorities continue to urge remaining insurgents to surrender and embrace the government’s reintegration programs, emphasizing the benefits of peace and progress in conflict-affected communities.