Five members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the 26th Infantry Battalion, bringing with them firearms, magazines, and live ammunition in Talacogon, Agusan Del Sur.
The surrenderees, consisting of four regulars from HQs Loader, Sub-Regional Committee 2, and one from HQF NEO under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), turned over one AK47 rifle, one M653 Carbine rifle, two Garand rifles, and one Carbine rifle.
Their decision to yield was reportedly driven by fear for their lives, exhaustion, and unfulfilled promises by their recruiters. “I struggled for years in the jungle. There’s no comfort, only worsening misery. My longing for my children pushed me to surrender,” said one surrenderee, identified only as “Alyas Jaya.”
Jaya revealed the harsh realities faced by guerrilla fighters, including low morale, constant hunger, and fear of military offensives. She urged her comrades to surrender, calling the armed struggle a “deceptive ideology” that wastes lives.
Lt. Col. Jose Redentor C. Gilbuela, acting commanding officer of the 26th Infantry Battalion, welcomed the rebels and assured government support through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). “We will help you reintegrate into society and work towards lasting peace,” he said.
The former rebels will undergo documentation and assessment to receive assistance, including livelihood support, as part of their reintegration into mainstream society.
