CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – In a major blow to the dwindling insurgency in Surigao del Sur, five members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including three regulars and two Milisya ng Bayan (MB), surrendered to government forces under the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division and turned over seven high-powered firearms on July 4 and 6, 2025.
The surrender was facilitated by the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade, in coordination with intelligence units and community partners.
On July 4, two MB members operating in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, gave themselves up to troops through negotiations led by the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) and Civil-Military Operations personnel deployed in Sitio Nalindog. They also surrendered two AK-47 rifles.
Two days later, three regular NPA members—identified as a former team leader, a medic, and a squad leader—voluntarily yielded to the same battalion, bringing with them one RPK light machine gun, three AK-47 rifles, and one M14 rifle.
According to the former rebels, the primary reasons for their surrender included emotional strain from being away from their families, severe fatigue, and the scarcity of food while evading government forces in remote areas.
Lieutenant Colonel Earl C. Pardillo, the newly-installed Commanding Officer of 75IB, credited the success to sustained civil-military engagements and intensified military operations.
“They have finally realized the futility of their senseless ideology. With our continued efforts and the constant support from communities, we are giving them a second chance at life—away from violence and fear—through the help of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Pardillo said.
The E-CLIP offers financial aid, livelihood assistance, and other reintegration services to former rebels to help them transition back into civilian life.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, hailed the development as a key milestone in the government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict.
“This development is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing peace efforts and the collaborative partnership between our troops, local government agencies, communities, and former rebels who are choosing the path of peace,” Anayron said.
He added that the courage shown by the surrenderers weakens the NPA and brings the region closer to lasting peace, security, and development.
The surrender underscores the continued success of the government’s “whole-of-nation” approach in neutralizing communist insurgency in Mindanao.