A total of 89 former rebels from dismantled New People’s Army (NPA) units surrendered to the 56th Infantry Battalion under the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army during a ceremony on May 28 in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
The event was held at the Balimba Hills Activity Center in Barangay Sto. Niño, where the former rebels formally turned over 19 firearms and one improvised explosive device to the military and local government units.
To aid in their transition back into society, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region XI awarded a ₱1.1 million livelihood package through its Integrated Livelihood Program. The Ata-Manobo Former Rebels Association received corn shellers worth ₱300,000, while two other people’s organizations—Salawao Developmental Workers Association and Tatag IP Parents-Scholars Association—each received ₱400,000 worth of bakery equipment.
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, welcomed the surrender and emphasized the government’s ongoing support for former rebels.
“This collective return to the folds of the law is a clear manifestation that the people have grown tired of the false promises of the communist terrorist group,” Hambala said.
He added that the government and its partner agencies remain committed to helping former rebels start anew and live peaceful lives.
