BAGUIO CITY — Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who were originally operating in the Caraga Region voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division on October 12, 2025, at Wagner Street, Loakan, Baguio City. They brought with them their high-powered firearms during their surrender.
The surrenderers, residents of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, and Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, were both members of Squad 3, Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) of the NPA’s Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Their surrender was made possible through the joint intelligence efforts of the 75th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, 10th Intelligence Service Unit, 513th Engineer Construction Battalion, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 13 of the Philippine National Police.
The two also turned over two M16 rifles, both in serviceable condition. According to them, disillusionment with the movement, fear for their safety, and the desire to live a peaceful life were the main reasons behind their decision to abandon the armed struggle.
Lt. Col. Earl C. Pardillo, Commanding Officer of the 75th Infantry Battalion, said the surrender is the outcome of intensified joint operations and the continuous community engagement efforts in the Caraga Region.
“Through persistent combat operations, intelligence-driven targeting, and genuine efforts to reach out to communities vulnerable to NPA influence, we have significantly weakened the operational capability and morale of the remaining NPA members,” Lt. Col. Pardillo stated.
The 75th Infantry Battalion is currently facilitating the surrenderers’ enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) so they can avail of livelihood benefits, training, and amnesty opportunities.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the bravery of the returnees and assured them of continued government support.
“We commend these individuals for choosing the path of peace. This event reinforces our commitment to ending local communist armed conflict through non-violent means. We call on the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and avail of the government’s reintegration programs,” he said.