A total of 189 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to authorities last Friday, August 8, turning over 72 firearms, explosives, and other war materials to the Philippine Army in the municipality of Quezon, Bukidnon province.
The 89th Infantry (Makatao) Battalion led the mass surrender in Barangay Butong under the 1003rd Infantry (Pagasa) Brigade with the support of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division.
Present during the ceremonial turnover were 10ID Commander Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala, Senator Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri, the local government officials of Quezon, and members of the law enforcement sector.
Military officials said the surrender dealt a significant blow to the operational capability of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Command. Hambala credited the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program for convincing former rebels to return to civilian life.
“Your struggle ended not merely by laying down your arms, but by realizing that it was the wrong path, as the government has already addressed the reasons you took the mountains,” Maj. Gen. Hambala said.
Zubiri pledged continued assistance to help the former rebels reintegrate, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Each received ₱5,000 in cash aid, 10 kilos of rice, and food packs.
Officials said the development brings Quezon closer to becoming insurgency-free, joining eight other municipalities in Bukidnon’s 3rd District that have been cleared of NPA presence.
