SUMISIP, BASILAN — In a major development in the campaign for peace and justice in Basilan, one of the perpetrators behind the recent bombing incident in Barangay Mangal voluntarily surrendered to the 32nd Infantry (DAREDEVIL) Battalion, 11th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, on October 31, 2025, around 4:00 p.m.
The surrender took place at the 32IB Headquarters inside the TARBIDC Compound, Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Gerwin T. Maghuyop, INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander. This marks a significant stride in the Army’s intensified drive to dismantle extremist networks and restore lasting peace in Basilan Province.
According to military reports, the surrenderer admitted to having participated in the bombing as a lookout and guide, identifying rubber tappers and pointing out their locations before the attack. His voluntary surrender was made possible through continuous intelligence operations and community engagement initiatives of the 32IB, which successfully convinced him to yield peacefully.
During the surrender, the suspect also turned over a Caliber .45 pistol (Serial No. 943528), which has since been secured for proper documentation and disposition.
Following his surrender, Army intelligence operatives immediately conducted a custodial debriefing to gather crucial information about his role in the bombing and his links to other suspects and sympathizers. The data will aid in ongoing investigations and future security operations to prevent similar incidents in the province.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Maghuyop lauded the troops’ efforts and emphasized the vital role of community cooperation in achieving lasting peace.
“The voluntary surrender of this individual signifies the growing trust and confidence of the people in the government’s peace efforts,” Maghuyop said. “The 32nd Infantry Battalion remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard Basilan from terrorism and lawlessness. We continue to encourage others still involved in such activities to surrender peacefully and embrace a new beginning.”
The 32nd Infantry (DAREDEVIL) Battalion reaffirmed its commitment to focused military operations, intelligence-driven campaigns, and collaborative peacebuilding with law enforcement agencies and local government units.
This latest accomplishment underscores the Army’s unwavering dedication to peace, stability, and community resilience—demonstrating that strong coordination between security forces and the people remains the cornerstone of lasting peace in Basilan.