Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur – May 28, 2025 — Nine former members of a local terrorist group formally surrendered to authorities and received livelihood assistance earlier today at the headquarters of the 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion in Brgy. Kabengi.
According to Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB), the returnees were provided with cash aid and sacks of rice by the provincial government of Maguindanao del Sur and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region XII, in addition to their inclusion in a government livelihood program.
During a short ceremony, Lt. Col. Marco presented the former violent extremists to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade. The former rebels also surrendered their firearms, which included an M14 rifle, two M4 rifles, an M16 rifle, two .50-caliber Barrett rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, an M1 Garand rifle, and an M1 Carbine rifle.
Among those present at the event were Lt. Col. Roden Orbon of the 6th Civil-Military Operations Battalion and spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division; P/Col. Sinsuat of the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office; P/Lt. Col. Abreu of the 4th Special Action Battalion, PNP; Police Major Zamora, chief of the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station; and Engr. Romerico P. Carrasco, head supervisor of DOLE Region XII.
Engr. Carrasco confirmed that the former extremists will be enrolled in DOLE XII’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which aims to support displaced individuals through short-term employment and livelihood aid.
Brig. Gen. Catu expressed his gratitude to local government agencies and the community for their continued support in the campaign against loose firearms and the reintegration of former rebels. “Peace is the responsibility of every member of society. The successful reintegration of these former rebels is a testament to their decision to walk the path of peace. Share the security and peace you now enjoy with your former comrades,” he said.
Meanwhile, Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, emphasized that the surrender of the nine individuals shows that peace and change are possible. “Through government programs, we give them the opportunity to live honorably once more—free from violence and with hope for a new beginning for themselves and their families. We continue to call on those still on the wrong path to surrender. Your soldiers are ready to welcome and support you in becoming part of the region’s peaceful transformation,” he added.