SANTA CRUZ, Davao del Sur — A member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who had reportedly gone into hiding and was affiliated with the dismantled Guerrilla Front 51 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army on October 17, 2026, bringing an M14 rifle.
The surrenderer, identified only by the alias “BENZ,” surrendered to the 39th Infantry (Smash ’Em) Battalion in Santa Cruz, according to the Army. Six days later, on October 23, troops formally presented him to Santa Cruz Mayor Jose Nelson Z. Sala Sr. at the municipal hall as part of efforts to facilitate his transition back to civilian life.
The surrender highlights the government’s continuing efforts to encourage former members of armed communist groups to abandon the armed struggle and pursue reintegration through livelihood assistance and other support programs.
Mayor offers livelihood assistance, LGU employment
During the presentation, Mayor Sala welcomed BENZ’s decision to surrender and encouraged him to take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides eligible former rebels with assistance intended to support their return to civilian life.
Sala reportedly assured BENZ that the municipal government would help him and his family establish a peaceful and productive livelihood. As initial assistance, the mayor provided a rice subsidy and committed to employing BENZ as a local government unit worker.
The assistance is intended to help address the immediate needs of the former rebel while he works toward economic stability and reintegration into the community.
BENZ, now referred to by authorities as a Friend Rescued (FR), is undergoing profiling, custodial debriefing and documentation to determine his possible enrollment in E-CLIP. The process is being supported by concerned government agencies and local government units.
His possible inclusion in the program remains subject to the applicable assessment and documentation requirements.
Army urges remaining members to return to civilian life
Lt. Col. Hector A. Estolas, commanding officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion, commended his troops for their efforts to persuade remaining active and inactive members of communist armed groups to surrender and pursue reintegration.
Estolas said BENZ’s decision to abandon the armed struggle could encourage other members who remain in hiding or are no longer actively participating in armed activities to consider returning to their families and communities.
“By choosing peace, you have taken a commendable step toward securing a better life for yourself and your family. We trust that your example will lead others remaining in the armed struggle to follow suit. The government’s offer of reconciliation and support remains steadfast for all who seek peace,” Estolas said.
The Army continues to call on remaining members of communist armed groups to surrender, give up their weapons and pursue lawful means of rebuilding their lives.
Reintegration remains a key challenge
Beyond the act of surrender, the long-term success of reintegration depends on whether former combatants can obtain sustainable livelihoods, access government services and rebuild relationships within their communities.
In BENZ’s case, the rice subsidy and proposed municipal employment offer immediate forms of assistance. His possible enrollment in E-CLIP could provide access to additional support, subject to program requirements and eligibility assessment.
The case also underscores the importance of coordination among the military, local governments and other government agencies in helping former combatants transition to civilian life.
Authorities have not provided further details about BENZ’s background or the circumstances that led to his surrender. No additional information was given about the M14 rifle beyond its reported turnover during the surrender.
The Philippine Army is encouraging other members of armed communist groups to follow a similar path, reunite with their families and pursue opportunities for personal development and economic stability outside armed conflict.