Four members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating under the Regional Operations Command of the Far South Mindanao Regional Committee (FSMRC) have voluntarily surrendered to government authorities, signaling what military officials described as another significant setback for the insurgent movement in Southern Mindanao.
The former rebels, identified only through their aliases as “King,” “Jack,” and “Alas” from Maasim, Sarangani, and “Mobil,” a minor from Kiamba, formally returned to the folds of the law on March 17, 2026. They were officially presented to the local chief executives of their respective municipalities on May 7 during a ceremony facilitated by the 603rd Infantry “Persuader” Brigade and the 105th Infantry “Saifullah” Battalion.
As part of the government’s reintegration efforts, the surrenderers received sacks of rice and financial assistance intended to help them begin a new life away from armed conflict.
Military officials said the surrender was the result of intensified intelligence operations and the implementation of the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP), which aims to weaken insurgency through community engagement and sustained security operations.
During custodial debriefing, the former rebels admitted that fear and exhaustion pushed them to abandon the armed struggle. They specifically cited the March 3 encounter in Barangay Kematu, T’Boli, South Cotabato, as a turning point that shattered their morale and forced them to flee.
According to their accounts, they escaped from the group’s area in T’Boli and made their way toward Kiamba, where they eventually sought protection from government troops operating in the area.
The surrenderers also painted a grim picture of life inside the armed movement, describing constant hunger, sleeplessness, physical exhaustion, and the psychological strain of endlessly hiding from security forces.
They further revealed that many residents in remote communities had already grown weary of the rebels’ presence, often perceiving them as bandits allegedly surviving through intimidation and extortion activities.
The former combatants claimed they were coerced into joining and remaining in the movement by FSMRC Secretary Anthony Jones D. Narvasa, alias “Magaw,” together with a female communist terrorist group member identified as alias “Roxanne.” Both were reportedly killed during a subsequent armed encounter with troops from the 603rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Lacunon, T’Boli, South Cotabato, on April 9.
Maasim Mayor Hon. Zyrex Pacquiao urged the surrenderers to remain firm in their decision and avoid returning to the underground movement, emphasizing that the government is now prioritizing infrastructure and development projects in conflict-affected communities.
He stressed that initiatives such as farm-to-market roads are being pursued to improve the lives of residents and provide legitimate economic opportunities in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Kiamba Mayor Hon. George Falgui congratulated the minor surrenderer for choosing peace over violence and encouraged him to take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Falgui assured the former rebel that the local government would provide livelihood support and assistance to help him and his family rebuild a peaceful and dignified life.
Brigadier General Michael A. Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, commended the former rebels for abandoning armed struggle and choosing reconciliation with the government.
“Today marks a significant occasion as we come together to witness a meaningful chapter of hope, transformation, and new beginnings for our Friends Rescued (FRs) who have chosen to reunite with the government. Their decision reflects great courage and a sincere desire to embrace peace and solidarity. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite the hardships of the past, there is always an opportunity for reconciliation, hope, and unity within our nation,” Santos said.
The 603rd Infantry Brigade reiterated its appeal to the public to support government peace initiatives and cooperate with authorities in efforts to end local insurgency and terrorism, while promoting long-term peace and development across Mindanao.