(Photo from 603rd IBde)
COTABATO CITY – Four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in South Cotabato, turning over firearms and an improvised explosive device as they sought to return to civilian life, the Philippine Army reported Thursday.
The former rebels, now referred to by the military as Friends Rescued (FRs), were formally presented Wednesday by Brig. Gen. Manuel Leo Gador, commander of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, to T’boli Mayor Keo Dayle Tuan at the municipal mayor’s office.
The ceremony followed their surrender to military authorities, during which they handed over their weapons.
Gador identified the four former rebels only by their aliases, “Madamil,” “Bomb,” “Quee” and “JM.”
According to the military, the group surrendered rifles and a homemade explosive device as part of their decision to abandon the armed insurgency.
“The surrendered firearms symbolized their willingness to abandon violence and embrace the path of peace,” Gador said.
During the ceremony, the four also took an oath of allegiance to the government, pledging to uphold the law and contribute to their respective communities.
Tuan welcomed the former rebels and provided initial financial assistance to support their transition to civilian life.
The mayor also assured them of continued government assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides reintegration support to qualified former rebels.
He reaffirmed the municipal government’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its peace and security initiatives.
Gador, meanwhile, commended the four for choosing to surrender and encouraged other remaining NPA members to consider returning to their communities.
“To our FRs: Welcome to your new life. May this serve as an example to your comrades who are still up there. Our doors remain open,” he said.
The brigade commander also recognized the efforts of personnel from the Army’s 105th Infantry Battalion, who helped facilitate the surrender.
“You have proven that you are not just warriors, but dedicated nation-builders,” Gador told the soldiers.
The 603rd Infantry Brigade said it would continue coordinating with local government officials, peace advocates and community stakeholders to support reintegration efforts and address security concerns in its areas of responsibility.
The military maintained that its peace initiatives would continue alongside development programs intended to help former rebels rebuild their livelihoods and reintegrate into society.
The surrender forms part of ongoing government efforts to encourage members of armed insurgent groups to abandon violence and pursue peaceful civilian lives.
