KALAMANSIG, Sultan Kudarat – Seven former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), most of them teenagers, formally surrendered to authorities and were presented in a ceremony on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Kalamansig Municipal Hall.
The former rebels, referred to by the military as Friends Rescued (FRs), turned themselves over to the 37th Infantry “Conqueror” Battalion and were presented to Brigadier General Michael A. Santos, Commander of the 603rd Infantry “Persuader” Brigade, and Kalamansig Mayor Ronan Eugene C. Garcia.
The FRs were identified as:
- Brigoy, 27, team leader of Team C, Gilbeys Platoon, ROC, FSMR
- Rambo/Papaw, 29, vice team leader of Team C, ROC, FSMR
- Kailen/Adel, 17, member of Team C, ROC, FSMR
- Ilaw/Rios/Boyet, 17, member of Team C, ROC, FSMR
- Hayde, 24, member of SRC Daguma, FSMR
- Mario, 17, member of SRC Daguma, FSMR
- Digby, 16, member of SRC Daguma, FSMR
According to Lt. Col. Christopherson M. Capuyan, Commanding Officer of the 37IB, the former rebels revealed during their debriefing that they abandoned the armed movement due to sustained military operations, dwindling morale and resources, and the hardships of living in constant fear and hunger in the mountains.
To assist their immediate needs, each FR received a sack of rice and financial assistance from the local government of Kalamansig, personally handed over by Mayor Garcia. He condemned the recruitment of youth into armed struggle, calling it a grave injustice.
“It is deeply concerning that terrorist groups continue to exploit our youth for their violent agenda. Here in Kalamansig, we wholeheartedly welcome their return to mainstream society,” Garcia said.
The mayor also announced the establishment of a halfway house in the municipality to provide a safe space for former rebels, especially the youth, to undergo reintegration. The facility will offer livelihood programs, skills training, education, and psychosocial support to help them rebuild their lives.
Brig. Gen. Santos lauded the decision of the FRs to return to the fold of the law and commended the 37IB for facilitating their surrender.
“This surrender is a testament that our people, especially the youth, are now realizing the futility of armed struggle,” Santos said. “It is disheartening that they were recruited as teenagers, but we are glad that they chose to reclaim their future. The government is sincere in its peace and development programs, and we assure our former rebels that their decision will open better opportunities for them and their families.”
Authorities continue to call on remaining CTG members to surrender as government agencies roll out peace and development initiatives aimed at offering former rebels a chance to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.