KIAMBA, Sarangani — A former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating under the Regional Operations Command–Far South Mindanao Region (ROC-FSMR) has voluntarily surrendered to government authorities, marking another milestone in the government’s intensified campaign to end local insurgency and promote lasting peace in Mindanao.
The surrenderer, identified only by the aliases “Peter” or “Anghel,” formally abandoned the armed struggle after voluntarily surrendering in Kiamba, Sarangani on June 12, 2026. His return to the government’s fold was officially presented on July 16, 2026 before Kiamba Municipal Mayor George “Jong-Jong” F. Falgui at the Municipal Hall, in the presence of representatives from various security forces and the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC).
Authorities said the former rebel also surrendered one Bushmaster-marked MA-type firearm, further demonstrating his commitment to abandoning armed conflict and embracing a peaceful life.
The presentation was facilitated by the 603rd Infantry (Persuader) Brigade and the 105th Infantry (Saifullah) Battalion, with the former rebel subsequently turned over to the military for processing, custodial debriefing, profiling, and documentation as part of the government’s reintegration efforts.
He is currently being evaluated for possible enrollment under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government initiative that provides former rebels with livelihood assistance, legal aid, social services, and other support mechanisms designed to help them reintegrate into society.
Turning Away from Violence
According to military authorities, the surrenderer revealed during his initial debriefing that his decision to leave the armed movement was influenced by the April 9, 2026 armed encounter in Sitio T’bol, Barangay Laconon, T’boli, South Cotabato, which left him fearful and deeply demoralized.
The firefight resulted in the deaths of two ranking members of the Far South Mindanao Region, identified by the aliases Magaw/Dewin, the organization’s regional secretary, and Mutya/Roxanne, who served as a squad medic.
Beyond the heavy losses suffered by the armed group, the former rebel admitted that he had become disillusioned after realizing that the organization failed to fulfill its promise of helping his family recover their farmland—a primary reason that led him to join the movement in the first place.
His experience, authorities said, underscores the reality faced by many insurgents who eventually recognize that armed struggle cannot provide lasting solutions to personal and community concerns.
Mayor Assures Government Support
Mayor George F. Falgui welcomed the surrender and assured the former rebel that the local government, together with national agencies, is prepared to help him rebuild his life.
“This surrender is a testament to the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts,” Mayor Falgui said.
“Our goal is to ensure that those who decide to walk away from violence are given a genuine opportunity to rebuild their lives alongside their families and communities.”
The mayor also emphasized the benefits available under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, assuring the former rebel that livelihood opportunities and other government assistance would help him and his family start anew in a peaceful and productive environment.
Army Commends Peace and Security Efforts
The 105th Infantry (Saifullah) Battalion, under the command of Lt. Col. Erikzen C. Dacoco, continues to oversee the former rebel’s transition process while ensuring he receives the necessary support throughout his reintegration.
Meanwhile, 603rd Infantry Brigade Acting Commander Col. Glenn Loreto T. Caballero, represented during the ceremony by Brigade Executive Officer Lt. Col. Michael Angelo Q. Candole, commended the troops of the 105th Infantry Battalion for their sustained peace and security operations that contributed to the successful surrender.
Addressing the former rebel, Candole described the decision as an act of courage.
“To our Friend Rescued, your decision to return to the folds of the law is a courageous step toward a better future for you and your family. May your story inspire those who remain in the armed movement to choose peace. The government’s door remains open to those who sincerely seek a new beginning,” he said.
Continuing Push for Lasting Peace
The Philippine Army reiterated its appeal for remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group to lay down their arms, return to their families, and take advantage of government reintegration programs aimed at helping them live peaceful and productive lives.
Authorities stressed that former rebels who choose to surrender are provided with opportunities to rebuild their futures through livelihood assistance, legal support, education, and other social services under government programs.
Local officials likewise urged communities to continue supporting initiatives under the government’s campaign to end local insurgency, emphasizing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through cooperation among security forces, local government units, and the public.
The surrender of alias Peter represents another step in the government’s continuing efforts to weaken insurgency in Southern Mindanao—not only through military operations but also by providing former combatants with meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation and community reintegration.
For the former rebel, authorities said, choosing to surrender marks the beginning of a new chapter—one centered on family, peace, and the hope of building a better future away from armed conflict.