GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Two members of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) have surrendered to government authorities, turning over firearms and pledging to reintegrate into civilian life in a development that underscores ongoing peace and security efforts in the city.
The former rebels, identified as members of Team B, Platoon Brigol of the dismantled Guerilla Front 73/GF Musa, yielded themselves along with two M1 Carbine rifles and magazines to Task Force Barracuda Gensan at its headquarters along Royeca Boulevard in Barangay Bula on March 14, 2026.
They were formally presented during a ceremony on March 16 at the City Agriculturist Office in Barangay East, attended by Michael A. Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry (Persuader) Brigade, and Lorelie G. Pacquiao.
According to initial disclosures, the surrenderers—now referred to as “Friends Rescued” (FRs)—decided to give themselves up to clear their names and sever ties with the armed movement, expressing their intention to return to the fold of the law.
Colonel Clairemont W. Pinpin, commander of Task Force Gensan, assured continued support for the FRs as they undergo reintegration under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), in coordination with partner agencies and local government units.
“Rest assured that our unit will continue to provide the necessary guidance and assistance to ensure their smooth transition back to normal and productive civilian lives,” Pinpin said.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Santos commended the former rebels for choosing peace and placing their trust in the government’s reintegration initiatives. He emphasized that their surrender represents a fresh start not only for them but also for communities affected by insurgency.
“Your surrender symbolizes hope and a new beginning—not only for you but also for every family yearning for peace. The government stands ready to support you through E-CLIP and other reintegration programs so you can rebuild your lives with dignity and purpose,” Santos said.
Mayor Pacquiao echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the local government and security forces in sustaining peace and development.
“We welcome you back as fellow citizens and partners for development. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, safer, and more peaceful General Santos City,” she said.
As part of immediate assistance, the FRs received financial aid and food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region XII.
Military officials continue to urge remaining CTG members to surrender, assuring them of humane treatment and opportunities to rebuild their lives through government programs.
Santos also underscored the broader vision of transforming General Santos—known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”—into a model of peace and stability in Mindanao.
The latest surrender reflects the continuing impact of the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach under Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalized the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Authorities attribute recent gains to sustained military operations, strengthened partnerships with local governments, and intensified information campaigns encouraging rebels to abandon armed struggle.
Following the ceremony, Santos paid a courtesy call on Mayor Pacquiao to further bolster cooperation between the military and the city government in advancing long-term peace and reintegration efforts.