DAVAO DEL SUR, Philippines — Five former members of a communist rebel group formally surrendered to government forces on February 16, 2026, in Sitio Cogon, Barangay Tuban, Sta. Cruz, marking another development in the government’s ongoing campaign to end the local communist armed conflict.
According to the Philippine Army, three of those who surrendered were former members of the dismantled DGF 72 under the FSMR, while two others belonged to the dismantled DGF 74 unit. They turned themselves over to the Alpha Company of the 39th Infantry (Smash’em) Battalion during a coordinated engagement in the area.
Lt. Col. Hector A. Estolas, commander of the battalion, said the surrender of the five individuals reflects the effectiveness of sustained peace and development initiatives implemented by the military in partnership with local government units and other government agencies.
He emphasized that continuous community engagement and localized peace initiatives helped open opportunities for former rebels to reassess their path and return to the fold of the government. Through these efforts, the former insurgents decided to abandon armed struggle and begin a new chapter with their families and communities.
Authorities said the surrender was the result of persistent outreach efforts by troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion, particularly through the unit’s Bagong Buhay Team (BBT), which works directly with communities and former insurgents to facilitate reintegration.
The development also highlights the government’s “whole-of-nation” approach aimed at addressing the roots of insurgency while providing support programs, assistance, and benefits to individuals who choose to surrender and reintegrate into society.
Military officials reiterated their call for remaining members of communist armed groups to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government programs designed to help them rebuild their lives peacefully.