A group of 87 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to authorities on January 24, 2025, in a mass ceremony held at the Barangay Covered Court of Nacabuclad, San Fernando, Bukidnon.
The surrender event, organized by the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division and the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office, also saw the turnover of 17 firearms, including four high-powered weapons. The ex-rebels were members of the Sub-Regional Command 2 (SRC2) under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
Jimboy Mandagit, a former NPA key commander, praised the local government for dismantling remnants of the NCMRC and promoting reintegration initiatives. He urged his former comrades to embrace peace and development opportunities.
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, encouraged the surrenderees to look ahead with hope. “Let us prioritize the future of our children and embrace positive change for lasting peace,” he said.
The San Fernando local government pledged assistance through TESDA programs to support the former rebels’ reintegration and socio-economic development. Officials also credited the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for its comprehensive support in ensuring the sustainability of reintegration efforts.
