Davao City — Peace gains in Davao del Norte were further consolidated as 92 former members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs), including individuals from dismantled Guerrilla Fronts, Pulang Bagani Commands, Regional Headquarters, and Sub-Regional Committees under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), formally returned to the fold of the law during a Mass Surrender and Presentation on January 27, 2026.
The ceremony was held at the Balimba Hills Activity Center in Sitio JBL, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, and was jointly facilitated by the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade and the 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army, in close coordination with the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte and other key stakeholders.
The event marked another milestone for the province, which has remained insurgency-free for three consecutive years and is now entering its fourth year of sustained peace. Officials emphasized that the mass surrender reflects continuing efforts to prevent any resurgence of armed conflict by engaging former “lie-low” CTG members and encouraging their reintegration into mainstream society.
Of the 92 surrenderers, 71 were from the municipality of Talaingod and 21 were from Kapalong. The group included former team leaders, vice team leaders, medical and supply officers, and regular members. Five of them had previously appeared in official Periodic Status Reports from 2015 to 2016, underscoring the long-term impact of persistent peace engagements, localized peace dialogues, and focused security operations.
During the ceremony, the former rebels voluntarily took an oath of allegiance, publicly renounced armed struggle, and pledged their support to government initiatives for peace, reconciliation, and development. They also turned over twenty-nine (29) assorted low-powered firearms for proper disposition, as part of their processing under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
In addition to E-CLIP benefits—which include livelihood assistance, housing support, and reintegration programs—the surrenderers received family food packs and ₱500 in immediate financial assistance provided by the provincial government, led by Governor Edwin I. Jubahib.
Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, formally presented the former rebels and emphasized that sustained engagement remains vital even in insurgency-free areas.
“Even though we are insurgency-free, we continue to reach out to former CTG personalities to prevent any possibility of resurgence. This activity is not just the end of armed struggle—it is proof of the government’s sincerity in promoting unity, inclusive development, and nation-building,” Diaz said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, described the event not as a surrender but as a shared commitment to peace.
“This is not a surrender for me—this is an embrace of Kalinaw. Starting today, you are no longer former rebels; you are our peace partners. When the government and the community work together as one, progress will continue, and the soldiers will always stand with you,” Luzon said.
The activity was made possible through the leadership of Lt. Col. Jovilyn Carmel Cabading, commanding officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion, with the support of local government officials and sectoral leaders. Among those present were Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Rosalinda O. Rapista; Bae Pilar Libayao, chairperson of the Indigenous Political Structure; Talaingod Mayor Junnie B. Libayao; Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Glenn G. Cristines; Brig. Gen. Diaz; Maj. Gen. Luzon; and Governor Jubahib.
Governor Jubahib lauded the former rebels as “peace champions” and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring their successful reintegration. He stressed that peace-building goes beyond disarmament and must be anchored on social services, livelihood opportunities, and inclusive governance—especially for Indigenous Peoples and conflict-affected communities.
Authorities said the voluntary surrender of the 92 former rebels reflects a growing preference for peace, unity, and reconciliation, driven by the desire for a safer and more stable future for their families and communities. The development also underscores the sustained and coordinated efforts of the 10th Infantry Division, local government units, and partner stakeholders to preserve insurgency-free communities in the Davao Region and transform former conflict areas into resilient and self-reliant communities.