A total of 189 former rebels surrendered to the 89th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon, on Aug. 8, 2025, turning over 72 firearms, explosives, and other war materials.
The surrender took place in Barangay Butong and was led by the 89th Infantry Battalion under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade. Major General Allan Hambala, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, local officials, and law enforcement personnel were present.
Military officials said the mass surrender significantly weakened the North Central Mindanao Regional Command’s operational capability. The Army credited the success to the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program, which encouraged former combatants to rejoin civilian life.
“Your struggle ended not merely by laying down your arms, but by realizing that it was the wrong path,” Hambala told the returnees.
To aid their reintegration, Senator Zubiri, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, provided ₱5,000 cash assistance, 10 kilos of rice, and food packs to each surrenderer.
The Philippine Army said the development moves Quezon closer to eliminating New People’s Army presence and joining Bukidnon’s eight insurgency-free municipalities in the 3rd District.
