SULTAN KUDARAT — Sixteen former members of the Sub-Regional Committee Daguma (SRC-Daguma) of the Far South Mindanao Region Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), all belonging to the Manobo Dulangan Indigenous Peoples tribe, formally returned to the folds of the law during separate ceremonial presentations held in Palimbang and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, on August 29, 2026.
The former CTG members, referred to by authorities as Friends Rescued (FRs), were presented during ceremonies held at the municipal halls of the two towns as part of government efforts to encourage individuals involved in armed groups to abandon the armed struggle and reintegrate peacefully into their communities.
The activities were facilitated by the 603rd Infantry “Persuader” Brigade, 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division of the Philippine Army, through its operationally controlled unit, the 37th Infantry “Conqueror” Battalion, in coordination with the concerned local government units (LGUs), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Ten presented in Palimbang
The first ceremony was held in the morning at the Municipal Hall of Palimbang, where 10 former SRC-Daguma members were formally presented.
Among those who attended were Col. Glenn Loreto T. Caballero, acting commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade; Palimbang Mayor Myrna Casas Kapina; Vice Mayor Joenime B. Kapina; Lt. Col. Efren M. Tongya-En, commanding officer of the 37th Infantry Battalion; Mary Ann Lebria, project development officer of OPAPRU; and representatives of the PNP.
The ceremony included the formal presentation of the 10 FRs, followed by their Oath of Allegiance to the government.
Local officials also conveyed messages of acceptance and support, assuring the former CTG members that they would not be left alone as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with their families and communities.
Six more return in Kalamansig
In the afternoon, six additional former members were presented during a similar ceremony at the Municipal Hall of Kalamansig, bringing the total number of FRs formally presented in the two municipalities to 16.
The Kalamansig ceremony was attended by Mayor Ronan Eugene C. Garcia, along with Col. Caballero, Lt. Col. Tongya-En, Ms. Lebria, and representatives of the PNP.
Like the morning activity in Palimbang, the ceremony emphasized the former members’ decision to abandon armed involvement and pursue a peaceful return to civilian life.
Government officials encouraged the FRs to take advantage of available programs intended to help them establish sustainable livelihoods, acquire new skills, pursue education, and access other forms of government assistance.
OPAPRU, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to providing guidance and support to help facilitate their peaceful and productive reintegration into their respective communities.
Army urges former comrades to choose peace
In his message to the FRs, Col. Caballero encouraged them to become examples to their former comrades who may also be considering leaving the armed group.
He urged the newly returned individuals to share their experiences with other members of the CTG, particularly regarding the government assistance and services available to those who decide to return peacefully.
Caballero emphasized that the government remains open to individuals who choose to abandon armed struggle, stressing that the Army would rather see them surrender and return safely to their families than lose their lives during combat operations.
The message underscored the government’s approach of combining security operations with programs designed to provide former combatants and supporters with opportunities to reintegrate into civilian communities.
Convergence of government support
The ceremonies in Palimbang and Kalamansig also highlighted the cooperation among the military, police, national government agencies, and local governments in facilitating the return of individuals formerly involved with the CTG.
For the 16 Manobo Dulangan former members, the ceremonies marked a formal step toward rebuilding their lives outside the armed group and reconnecting with their communities.
The 603rd Infantry “Persuader” Brigade said it remains committed to supporting the peaceful reintegration of former CTG members while working with government agencies and LGUs to promote lasting peace, security, and development in Sultan Kudarat.
The simultaneous involvement of security forces and civilian agencies reflects the government’s broader effort to address the armed conflict not only through security measures but also through reintegration, livelihood, education, skills development, and community-based support for those who choose a peaceful path.
For the 16 former SRC-Daguma members, their formal presentation and oath-taking represent a transition away from armed involvement and toward participation in civilian life, with government and local authorities pledging continued assistance as they undertake that transition.