TUPI, South Cotabato — In a major breakthrough for ongoing peace efforts in South Central Mindanao, the 38th Infantry “We Clear” Battalion presented seven former top cadres and members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)—along with several high-powered firearms—to BGEN Omar V. Orozco, Commander of the 1st Mechanized “Maaasahan” Brigade, Armor Division, Philippine Army.
The formal presentation, held at the 38IB headquarters in Brgy. Kablon, highlighted the battalion’s sustained gains in weakening the CTG’s influence across South Cotabato and neighboring provinces.
The event was witnessed by key peace and development partners, underscoring the government’s unified, whole-of-nation approach to ending local armed conflict. Present were representatives from the provincial government, national intelligence, law enforcement, social welfare sector, and congressional office, including:
– Ms. Sonia L. Bautista, representing Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.;
– Dir. Harold Nacional of NICA Region 12;
– PBGen Arnold Ardiente of PRO 12;
– Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña of LCT-FISU;
– Ms. Marrianne Uy of LAB Koronadal;
– Dir. Loreto V. Cabaya Jr. of DSWD XII; and
– Mr. Jorge Paolo Estember from the Office of the 2nd Congressional District of South Cotabato.
Top SRC2 Personalities Among Surrenderers
Those who yielded are key personalities of SRC2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), including:
– Alias “Pakat/Bansai” – Secretary, SRC2, SMRC
– Alias “Gimo” – Supply Officer, GF2
– Alias “En-En” and “Jack” – Political Guides
– Alias “Greggy,” “Boy,” and “Ka Unek” – Members, GF2
In his testimony, “Pakat/Bansai” admitted the hardships and fear that marked his life in the mountains, saying his decision to surrender came from wanting “a new life” and recognizing that the Army is “not the enemy” but a force that treated them humanely.
High-Powered Firearms Turned Over
Seven firearms were surrendered, delivering a significant setback to remaining CTG elements. These include:
• One RPG
• Two Garand rifles
• Two M16 rifles
• One M653 rifle
• One homemade 7.62mm sniper rifle
Authorities said the surrender was the result of joint intelligence operations of the 38IB, NICA Region 12, SCPPO, PRO 12, 105IB of the 6th Infantry Division, and 39IB of the 10th Infantry Division.
Government Support for Reintegration
To support their return to civilian life, the former rebels were provided immediate cash assistance and family food packs. They will also be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which offers livelihood assistance, benefits packages, and reintegration services.
LTC Erwin E. Felongco, Battalion Commander of the 38IB, emphasized that the Army remains committed to guiding former rebels toward a peaceful and dignified life, highlighting that more CTG members are expected to follow suit as government security and development programs continue to expand in communities.
The 38th Infantry “We Clear” Battalion reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining peace, empowering conflict-affected areas, and dismantling the remaining threat posed by the CTG in South Cotabato and beyond.