IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Two members of the notorious Labain Criminal Group formally surrendered to authorities during a presentation ceremony held at the headquarters of the 102nd Infantry “IGSOON” Brigade in Barangay Sanito, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on the morning of May 25, 2026.
The event highlighted the continuing efforts of government forces to strengthen peace and security across the province and the wider Zamboanga Peninsula through intensified coordination among the military, police, and local government units.
Present during the activity were representatives from the Philippine Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, the Philippine National Police, and local officials from Tungawan town. Among those who delivered messages were Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Tungawan Mayor Angelito “Lito” Aniñon, and 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGEN Samuel G. Yunque PA.
Authorities said the surrendering individuals are facing serious criminal charges, including murder, three counts of frustrated murder, and eight counts of attempted murder. During the program, the contents of the warrants of arrest and the cases filed against the two personalities were formally read before attendees.
In his message, PCOL Dasugo commended the surrenderers for voluntarily laying down their arms and choosing the path toward peace.
He described their decision as an act of courage and a significant step toward rebuilding their lives and restoring stability in the community.
Dasugo also expressed gratitude to Mayor Aniñon for his dedication and unwavering support throughout the negotiations and coordination efforts that led to the successful surrender. He described the mayor as a key figure in the achievement due to his firm commitment to public safety and peace in Tungawan.
The provincial police director emphasized that the breakthrough was not only a victory for Tungawan and Zamboanga Sibugay but also for the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, adding that the development could serve as a strong foundation for a safer and more progressive future in the region.
For his part, Mayor Aniñon thanked BGEN Yunque and PCOL Dasugo for supporting the peaceful surrender process despite the many challenges encountered at the beginning of negotiations.
The mayor revealed that many members of the group struggled with poverty, lack of education, limited understanding of the law, and the absence of support in dealing with legal and economic difficulties, forcing them to hide in mountainous areas to evade authorities and survive.
He said the surrenderers expressed their desire to return to mainstream society and live peaceful lives within the community.
Mayor Aniñon also stressed that authorities would not force the remaining members of the group to surrender, emphasizing that genuine peace cannot be achieved through force alone but through dialogue, trust, and understanding.
Meanwhile, BGEN Yunque underscored the importance of collective action in sustaining peace and order across the province and the region.
“Peace cannot be achieved through a single step alone,” Yunque said, adding that peace remains the key to long-term development and prosperity.
He called on all sectors to continue working together in maintaining security and stability in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The military official further stated that the surrender forms part of the government’s continuing campaign to enforce justice while strengthening community security through peaceful and coordinated approaches.