ASUNCION, Davao del Norte (PIA) – Thirty-five former members of dismantled guerrilla fronts (DGFs) that previously operated in the boundaries of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Agusan del Sur have surrendered to authorities, bringing with them 20 high-powered firearms.
The surrender ceremony took place at the 60th Infantry “Mediator” Battalion headquarters in Dona Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte. Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Allan D. Hambala, presented the former rebels (FRs) to Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib, Davao de Oro Provincial Governor Dorothy M. Gonzaga, and Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
According to statements released to the media by the 60th Infantry Battalion (IB), the newly surrendered FRs were former members of DGF 33 and 34, and the Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).
Demographics and Background of the FRs
Demographic data revealed that 40 percent of the 35 former rebels, or 14 individuals, belonged to Indigenous People (IP) communities. The majority of the FRs had not completed basic education.
The primary reason cited for joining the New People’s Army (NPA) and its underground mass organizations (UGMOs) was poor economic conditions. This vulnerability was often exacerbated by a lack of education.
In an interview with PIA Davao del Norte, Alias Daisy shared her story. She was 17 years old when a schoolmate persuaded her to join the NPA movement. Frequent household quarrels and conflicts with her parents further fueled her adventurous spirit.
“Naka-decide ko nga mo-join, uban sa akong classmate. Dugay pud ko tago-tago sa bukid sa Pulang Bagani Command, hangtod nga nahimo ko nga medic,” she said.
[I decided to join with my classmate. I hid for a long time in the mountains under the Pulang Bagani Command, until I became a medic.]
Now a mother of four, Alias Daisy, after seven years of service, has finally decided to renounce her support for the communist terrorist group (CTG).
“Dili ko gusto nga mahisama ang kinabuhi sa akong mga anak sa akong naagian. Buot nako nga maayo ang ilang pag-eskwela, ang ilang kinabuhi,” she said.
[I don’t want my children’s life to be the same as what I had gone through. I want them to study well and for them to have a good life.]
Among the 35 FRs, Alias Daisy was one of six who were recruited as minors, with the youngest being only 12 years old at the time of recruitment, according to the 60th IB statement on the demographics and background of the FRs.
Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP)
Lt. General Bergante, in a speech read by his representative, commended the 60th IB’s Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP) for its close collaboration with Kalinaw-Southeastern Mindanao Region (SMR), an organization of former rebels. The 60th IB’s MCSSP program, in partnership with Kalinaw SMR, has successfully reached out to former comrades who had not yet surrendered.
The strategy addresses the risk of some former NPA-influenced areas getting recovered by the CTG through its remnants and those inactive in the CTG movement. (JMDA PIA XI)
