MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur — Seven former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), previously affiliated with the dismantled Guerrilla Front ALIP and Guerrilla Front 51, voluntarily surrendered to the 39th Infantry (Smash ’Em) Battalion on October 28, 2026, in a development aimed at supporting their return to civilian life and sustaining peace in the municipality.
The seven surrenderers, described as former members who had been lying low, were presented during a formal ceremony facilitated by the 39th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of its commanding officer, Lt. Col. Hector A. Estolas.
During the ceremony, two of the returnees, identified by their aliases “JAY” and “AR-AR,” surrendered one Garand rifle and one Carbine rifle. The turnover of the firearms accompanied their formal return to government custody and the process of reintegration into civilian communities.
Estolas presented the seven former rebels to Magsaysay Mayor Arthur D. Davin, who welcomed them and underscored the importance of sustaining the peace and stability that the municipality has worked to achieve.
The surrenderers are currently enrolled in Batch 6 of the Tupad Pangako Program (TTP) for Friends Rescued, an initiative implemented in partnership with the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur. The program is designed to help former rebels transition to civilian life through personal development activities, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and participation in community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
The initiative seeks to provide returning individuals with opportunities to rebuild their lives and establish more stable futures for themselves and their families. Its reintegration component also aims to encourage former combatants to contribute to community development and peaceful coexistence.
Davin commended the seven for their decision to return to the fold of the law and emphasized that maintaining peace requires continued cooperation among the local government, security forces, and communities.
He also cited the municipality’s “Damgo sa Kabukiran” project as an example of how peace and stability can create opportunities for local development. The mayor assured the returnees and their families of the government’s continuing support, including livelihood assistance, as they work toward building peaceful and productive lives.
The latest surrender highlights the continuing coordination between the 39th Infantry Battalion and the municipal government in facilitating the reintegration of former rebels and supporting local peacebuilding efforts.
Beyond the surrender itself, the long-term impact of the initiative will depend on the sustained delivery of livelihood assistance, access to development opportunities, and the ability of returning individuals to rebuild their lives within their communities.
For Magsaysay, the challenge remains not only to preserve the peace already achieved but also to ensure that former rebels and their families have meaningful opportunities to participate in the municipality’s social and economic development.