KALAMANSIG, SULTAN KUDARAT — In another major step toward sustaining peace and security in Sultan Kudarat, nine former members of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to the government on October 30, 2025.
The group, composed of one PSR-listed remnant from the Regional Operational Command (ROC), FSMR, and eight non-PSR-listed remnants from the dismantled West Daguma Front, yielded to the 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB), Philippine Army Intelligence Unit, and the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd SKPMFC). They also turned over three M1 Garand rifles and one caliber .45 pistol.
The surrenderers were formally presented to Brigadier General Michael A. Santos, Commander of the 603rd Infantry (Persuader) Brigade, and Kalamansig Mayor Ronan Eugene C. Garcia during a ceremony held at the Kalamansig Municipal Hall.
According to initial debriefings, the former rebels—now referred to as Friends Rescued (FRs)—decided to surrender to clear their names, sever ties with the CTG, and return to lawful and peaceful lives. One former ROC member revealed that his decision was driven by the hardships and pressures brought about by relentless military operations and the unfulfilled promises of the communist movement.
LTC Christopherson M. Capuyan, Commanding Officer of the 37IB, assured that the Army will provide continued support to the FRs as they undergo reintegration under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). “Rest assured that our unit will continue to provide the necessary guidance and assistance to ensure their smooth transition back to normal and productive civilian lives,” Capuyan said.
Brig. Gen. Santos lauded the surrenderers’ courage in choosing peace and trusting the government’s sincerity. “Your surrender symbolizes hope and a new beginning—not only for you but also for every family yearning for peace. The government stands ready to support you through E-CLIP and other reintegration programs so you can rebuild your lives with dignity and purpose,” he said.
Mayor Garcia also welcomed the former rebels’ decision, emphasizing the local government’s commitment to peace and development. “We welcome you back as fellow citizens and partners for development. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, safer, and more peaceful Kalamansig,” he stated.
Authorities said the latest surrender highlights the effectiveness of the Whole-of-Nation Approach under Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalized the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Through sustained military pressure, strategic information campaigns, and close coordination with local governments, more CTG remnants have been abandoning the armed struggle and choosing to live in peace.
BGen. Santos reiterated the military’s open call for remaining CTG members to lay down their arms peacefully. “The door to peace is always open,” he said. “But for those who continue to choose violence, the Armed Forces, together with our partners, will remain steadfast and decisive in defending the people and preserving the peace that we have fought hard to achieve.”
The 603rd Infantry (Persuader) Brigade and the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division reaffirmed their commitment to ending local communist armed conflict and ensuring lasting peace, progress, and development across Sultan Kudarat and Central Mindanao.