A New People’s Army (NPA) leader and five of his men surrendered to the 2nd Mechanized (Makasag) Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Barangay Tual, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, on April 24, 2025.
According to battalion commander Lt. Col. Felmax Lodriguito Jr., extreme economic difficulties, exhaustion, hunger, and the continuous military operations compelled the insurgents to return to the fold of the law.
The group also also turned over six weapons, consisting of an M1 Garand rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, a Barrett-type sniper rifle, an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade), an M79 grenade launcher, and an Ingram submachine gun.
Lodriguito presented the returnees to Col. Ronel Manalo, acting chief of the 1st Mechanized Infantry “Reliable” Brigade, in the presence of Sultan Kudarat Vice Gov. Raden Sakaluran.
The presentation took place at the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Brigade in Brgy. Kalandagan, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
“Their surrender is clear proof that local terrorist groups in the region are gradually losing support and strength. We will continue to expand initiatives like these to promote peace and provide new hope for those who have strayed. We urge other members of armed groups to surrender to the government and join us in our goal of building peaceful communities,” said Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central.
The former rebels will undergo reintegration processes as part of government programs designed to help them rebuild their lives.