MATI CITY, Davao Oriental – Three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang in separate incidents this week, marking another significant step in the province’s sustained campaign to remain insurgency-free.
According to the provincial government, one NPA member personally appeared before Governor Dayanghirang on January 8, 2026, at the governor’s office and formally declared his decision to abandon the communist movement. The former rebel also turned over a firearm as part of his surrender.
A day earlier, on January 7, 2026, two other NPA members likewise surrendered to the governor, bringing the total number of surrenderees to three within a 48-hour period.
Governor Dayanghirang acknowledged the crucial role played by government troops in facilitating the surrender of the former rebels. He personally expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for their relentless efforts in encouraging NPA members to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.
“This is a clear manifestation that our peace-building initiatives and whole-of-nation approach are working,” the governor said, emphasizing that the provincial government remains committed to supporting former rebels as they reintegrate into society.
The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental reiterated its firm resolve to protect and sustain the province’s insurgency-free status, stressing that this achievement is a shared responsibility between the government, security forces, and the community.
Authorities continue to urge remaining members of the communist armed group to follow the example of those who have surrendered and choose the path of peace, reconciliation, and lawful livelihood.