BUTUAN CITY — Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a ranking officer, voluntarily surrendered to the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade on November 26, 2025, marking another significant breakthrough in the government’s peace and reintegration efforts in Northern Mindanao.
The returnees were identified as Romano Alicanio, alias “JHONDEL,” Vice Commanding Officer of SRSDG Eagles, SRC1, NCMRC; Arman Jariol, alias “BILOG”; and Jenalyn Romano Alicanio, alias “DANA.” The trio yielded along with high-powered firearms at Camp Romualdo Rubi in Bancasi, Butuan City.
Authorities said the surrender stemmed from sustained coordination between the Misamis Oriental Provincial Government and the 402nd Brigade, which deployed Mobile Community Support Sustainment Teams (MCSSTs) to conflict-affected barangays. These teams work to consolidate peace gains by strengthening local institutions, supporting people’s organizations, and helping communities establish livelihood programs in cleared areas.
MCSSTs also conduct proactive dialogues to educate residents and local leaders about government socio-economic programs, including the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Amnesty Program for former rebels. Officials said this community-centered and holistic approach played a key role in convincing JHONDEL and his companions to lay down their arms.
“Na agni mi pasulod sa kalihukan kay tam-is kaayo ilang mga pasalig… Pero ang nahitabo, nagsunod-sunod man hinuon mi’g pangalagas sa enkwentro,” JHONDEL said, recounting how the promises of the communist movement eventually faded as they were repeatedly forced into clashes, losing leaders and comrades along the way.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the 402nd Brigade have begun expediting the processing of benefits for the three returnees.
BGen. Arsenio Espuelas Jr., Commander of the 402Bde, commended the 58th Infantry Battalion under LTC Leonzito Grezula for supervising the MCSSTs and facilitating the safe surrender of the group. He emphasized that ensuring every returnee receives full assistance sends a strong message to remaining NPA members.
“By showing that no returnee is left behind, we hope to inspire others still in the mountains to choose the path of peace and help rescue those who remain at large,” Espuelas said.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustaining community engagement efforts and supporting former rebels as they reintegrate into mainstream society.