TUPI, South Cotabato — Eight former violent extremists (FVEs) have formally surrendered to authorities and turned over their firearms in a move authorities described as a significant step toward peace, reconciliation, and reintegration in South Cotabato.
The surrender ceremony was held in Tupi on September 10, 2026, where the eight individuals were formally presented to Police Regional Office 12 Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. for their inclusion in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The eight initially surrendered to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB 12), led by PCOL Samuel T. Cadungon, before being presented during the formal ceremony. Their firearms were likewise turned over to authorities as part of the surrender process.
E-CLIP is a government program designed to assist former members of armed groups and other individuals who choose to abandon armed violence and return to their communities. The program provides a pathway toward reintegration into mainstream society, including assistance intended to help former combatants establish more stable and productive lives.
The surrender was welcomed by Governor Tamayo, PBGEN Manibog, and LTC Dranreb F. Canto INF (GSC) PA, Acting Commanding Officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion.
Authorities said the decision of the eight former extremists to abandon violence represents more than the turnover of firearms. It also signals their willingness to break from a life associated with armed conflict and begin rebuilding their lives with their families and communities.
For security forces and local government officials, such voluntary surrenders are viewed as an important component of broader peace and stabilization efforts, particularly in communities that have experienced the effects of armed violence and extremism.
PBGEN Manibog emphasized that choosing to abandon violence and return to the fold of the law should be regarded as a victory for peace.
“Ang kanilang kusang pagsuko ay isang matapang na pagpili ng kapayapaan at bagong buhay. Tinatanggap natin sila nang may malasakit at binibigyan ng pagkakataong makapagsimula muli kasama ang kanilang pamilya at komunidad. Hinihikayat natin ang iba pang nais talikuran ang karahasan na piliin ang kapayapaan at bumalik sa kanilang komunidad.”
Manibog said the government should continue to welcome individuals who voluntarily choose to leave violence behind, while encouraging others who may still be involved in armed activities to consider peaceful reintegration.
The eight surrenderees now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives outside the cycle of violence. Their enrollment in E-CLIP is intended to provide government support as they transition back into civilian life and reconnect with their families and communities.
Their surrender also underscores the broader challenge of sustaining peace beyond military and police operations. For reintegration efforts to succeed, authorities and communities must ensure that those who return to civilian life have meaningful opportunities to rebuild, support their families, and become productive members of society.
For South Cotabato authorities, the September 10 ceremony was therefore not only a formal surrender but also a public affirmation that individuals who choose peace can be given an opportunity for a new beginning.