MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – A total of 89 former members of dismantled New People’s Army (NPA) units laid down their arms and formally surrendered to the 56th Infantry (Tatag) Battalion under the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army during a ceremony held on May 28, 2025, at the Balimba Hills Activity Center in Sitio JBL, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
As part of the ceremony, the former rebels turned over 19 firearms and an improvised anti-personnel mine (IED) to authorities, signaling their commitment to reintegrate into mainstream society. The turnover was facilitated in coordination with the provincial government of Davao del Norte, the Philippine Army, and other concerned government agencies.
In support of their reintegration, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region XI provided ₱1.1 million worth of livelihood assistance to three People’s Organizations under its Integrated Livelihood Program. The Ata-Manobo Former Rebels Association received ₱300,000 worth of corn shellers, while the Salawao Developmental Workers Association and the Tatag IP Parents-Scholars Association were awarded ₱400,000 worth of bakery equipment each.
Major General Allan Hambala, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, welcomed the development as a positive step toward lasting peace and community development in the region.
“This collective return to the folds of the law is a clear manifestation that the people have grown tired of the false promises of the communist terrorist group. With the support of the government and our partner agencies, we remain committed to helping our former rebels start anew and build better, peaceful lives,” he said.
The mass surrender is part of ongoing peace and development efforts in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, where former combatants are being supported through various programs aimed at sustainable livelihood and reintegration.