Communist rebel surrender in Agusan Norte
CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- In a continued pursuit for peace and security in the region, Edgar Carbonilla, alias "Dexter", an active CNT, voluntarily surrendered to 29IB in Purok 4, Brgy Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City on 3 April 2025. His surrender was made possible by an intelligence-driven Civil Military Operation through the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program (MCSSP) of 29IB.
Carbonilla, an active member of Sqd 1, Platoon 1, SRSDG, WL, of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NEMRC), decided to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law due to hardship and starvation. He also turned over one (1) M16 rifle with two (2) Magazines and one (1) AK-47 rifle, further weakening the capabilities of his former organization.
LtCol. Mark S. Tabon, lauded the efforts of the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Teams (MCSST) in reaching out to affected communities and encouraging more rebels to surrender. "This surrender highlights the effectiveness of our Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program in fostering trust, dialogue, and reconciliation. We remain committed to assisting former rebels in their transition back to peaceful and productive lives through the government’s reintegration programs. (Kining pagsurrender nagpakita sa ka-epektibo sa atong Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program sa pagpasiugda og pagsalig, diyalogo, ug pagtinabangay. Padayon kami sa pagtabang sa mga kanhing rebelde sa ilang pagbalik sa malinawon ug produktibong kinabuhi pinaagi sa mga programa sa reintegrasyon sa gobyerno),” LtCol. Tabon said.
Carbonilla is now set to undergo the necessary processes under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), where he will receive financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to help him reintegrate into the mainstream society.
“I encourage other members of armed groups to surrender, take advantage of the government's reintegration and amnesty programs and live a free life with your families, free from constant danger. (Akong gi-awhag ang ubang miyembro sa armadong grupo nga mosurrender na, pahimusli ang programa sa gobyerno sa reintegrasyon ug amnestiya, ug magpuyo og gawasnong kinabuhi uban sa inyong pamilya, luwas gikan sa kanunayng katalagman),” Tabon added.
The Philippine Army remains steadfast in its mission to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. (29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)
