SARANGANI PROVINCE — Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily returned to the government on October 26, surrendering a firearm and ammunition as they sought to leave the armed movement following encounters with government troops and continued military operations.
The two individuals, identified only by their aliases “JM,” 20, and “Arpak,” also known as “Trigo,” 24, underwent documentation and debriefing at the headquarters of the 105th Infantry (Saifullah) Battalion after turning themselves in, according to a military report.
The surrendered war materiel consisted of one M16 rifle, one long magazine, and 15 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition. Military personnel also conducted an inventory and processing of the recovered firearm and ammunition as part of the surrender procedure.
According to the report, fear and hardship following a series of armed encounters on September 14 and 15, coupled with sustained military operations, contributed to the two individuals’ decision to abandon the armed struggle. JM reportedly sustained injuries during the operations, which further influenced their decision to surrender.
Colonel Manuel Leo Q. Gador, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, described the surrender as an important step toward ending the two individuals’ involvement in armed conflict and enabling them to resume peaceful lives.
Gador said abandoning armed struggle offers former members of armed groups an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to peace and development in their communities.
Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended the 603rd Infantry Brigade and the 105th Infantry Battalion, along with local government units and community members, for their efforts to encourage members of armed groups to return voluntarily to the government.
Catu emphasized that returning to civilian life provides former combatants an opportunity to start anew and reunite with their families without the fear and uncertainty associated with armed conflict.
He also urged other members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to consider the same path, stressing that the government remains open to those willing to abandon armed struggle and pursue peaceful lives.
The military leadership said the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central would continue operations against armed groups considered threats to peace and security while sustaining efforts to encourage other CTG members to surrender voluntarily.
The latest surrender underscores the military’s dual approach of maintaining security operations and encouraging armed-group members to abandon the conflict. However, the circumstances surrounding the two individuals’ return to the government, including their subsequent reintegration and access to any applicable assistance programs, were not detailed in the report.