CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City — Four remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to government troops in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, turning over five high-powered firearms and a cache of ammunition and equipment in a move that authorities say significantly weakens the armed group’s presence in the area.
The surrender took place on March 2 and was facilitated by soldiers from the 26th Infantry Battalion, operating under the Philippine Army, with support from the 1st Special Forces Battalion and intelligence units of the 4th Infantry Division.
Military officials said the surrenderers expressed their desire to abandon what they described as a chaotic and difficult life inside the armed movement, marked by hardship, constant displacement, and the fear of armed encounters in the mountains.
Firearms and Equipment Surrendered
Along with their surrender, the former rebels yielded five high-powered firearms, including three M16 rifles, one BAR Galil rifle, and one M4A1 carbine. Authorities also recovered 10 long magazines and four short magazines for M16 rifles, three bandoliers, two Baofeng radios, around 190 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and several medical items.
Army officials said the surrender and recovery of weapons deal a significant blow to the operational capability of the NPA elements still active in parts of Agusan del Sur and nearby areas.
Disillusionment and Hardship Behind the Decision
Lieutenant Colonel Jose Redentor C. Gilbuela, commanding officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion, said the surrender was the result of sustained coordination among military units and intelligence operatives on the ground.
One of the surrenderers, who previously served as a political officer within the group, cited exhaustion, hardship, and disillusionment as key reasons for their decision to leave the insurgency. According to the military, the former rebels described life in the mountains as increasingly unstable, with limited food supplies and continuous movement to avoid clashes with government forces.
“We warmly welcomed the surrenderers and assured them of humane treatment and support as they begin the process of reintegration into mainstream society,” Gilbuela said.
He added that the former rebels will undergo custodial debriefing and documentation before being endorsed to government agencies that will assist them under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The program provides financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to former insurgents who return to civilian life.
Army Urges Remaining Rebels to Lay Down Arms
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the surrenderers for what he described as a courageous decision to abandon armed struggle and choose a new path.
He said their decision not only affects their personal future and that of their families but also contributes to peace and development in their communities.
Military leaders reiterated their appeal to remaining NPA members to surrender and avail themselves of government peace and development initiatives, emphasizing that opportunities for reintegration and a peaceful life remain open.
Authorities said efforts will continue to encourage more insurgents operating in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region to return to the folds of the law as part of ongoing security and peacebuilding campaigns in conflict-affected areas.