MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon — Two remaining members of the communist insurgent group operating in parts of Mindanao voluntarily surrendered to government troops on February 21, 2026, in what military officials described as another indication of the weakening influence of armed rebel networks in the region.
According to the Philippine Army, the former rebels—identified as Jhon Jhon Bokdawan Atipan, also known by the aliases “Wowie” and “Doms,” and Winalyn Lucdayan Saplidan, alias “Marita”—turned themselves in to soldiers of the 1st Special Forces (Hunter-Killer) Battalion at Barangay Mampayag in Manolo Fortich, located in Bukidnon. The two were reportedly remnants of a unit linked to the New People’s Army that had been operating across Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur.
Military authorities said the surrenderers are currently under the custody of the unit for documentation, validation, and further assessment. Officials are also determining their eligibility for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), a reintegration initiative that provides financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to former insurgents who return to civilian life.
Captain Bilver F. Butale, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, welcomed the pair and assured them that the military would assist them throughout the reintegration process. He emphasized that the program aims to help former rebels transition safely back into their communities and rebuild their lives away from armed conflict.
Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, renewed the military’s appeal to remaining members of communist terrorist groups to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law. He stressed that government forces, working closely with local government units and national agencies, are continuing efforts not only to address security concerns but also to provide opportunities for former combatants to start anew through livelihood and social support programs.
In a statement, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the surrender underscores the gradual decline of insurgent influence in Northern Mindanao and nearby areas. He noted that sustained military operations are being complemented by a “whole-of-nation” approach that tackles the underlying causes of insurgency, including poverty, lack of access to services, and limited livelihood opportunities in remote communities.
Anayron added that the government remains committed to providing lawful and humane pathways for individuals who choose to abandon the armed struggle. Through coordinated programs and community support, authorities aim to strengthen long-term stability and development across affected provinces.
The military said the latest surrender forms part of continuing efforts by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to secure lasting peace in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region, while encouraging more insurgents to take advantage of reintegration programs and return to civilian life.