(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 16 July 2025) The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to affect Mindanao. FORECAST: The Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon. These conditions may lead to possible flash floods or landslides, especially during moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms also influenced by the Southwest Monsoon. Winds will be light to moderate from the southwest, with slight to moderate seas (wave height between 0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Tuesday, 8 July 2025

5 NPA remnants lay down arms, seek peaceful future in Surigao Sur

Photo courtesy of 75IB, PA

TANDAG CITY  -- In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision anchored on peace, unity, and inclusive development, five rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur returned to the folds of the law and surrendered seven high-powered firearms to the Philippine Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion on July 4 and 6, 2025.

This significant development reaffirms the Marcos administration’s commitment to ending local communist armed conflict through localized peace engagements and intensified reintegration efforts under the whole-of-nation approach.

The surrender involved three regular members and two Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members, who operated in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Two MBs surrendered on July 4 through the facilitation of the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) and Civil-Military Operations personnel of the 75IB, bringing with them two AK-47 rifles.

On July 6, three more regulars, identified as a squad leader, a team leader, and a medic, turned over one RPK light machine gun, three AK-47 rifles, and one M14 rifle.

The surrenderers shared that the unbearable hardship in the mountains, constant hunger, and deep longing for their families that ultimately drove them to abandon the armed struggle and seek a chance of a peaceful life.

Lt. Col. Earl C. Pardillo, commanding officer of 75IB, emphasized that the success was made possible by strong partnerships with communities, intelligence units, and local government efforts.

Photo courtesy of 75IB, PA

“They realized that armed struggle only led to suffering. Through the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), we are helping them begin a new life filled with hope, dignity, and opportunity. This is Bagong Pilipinas in action, leaving no one left behind,” Pardillo emphasized.

Under the E-CLIP, the former rebels will receive financial aid, livelihood support, and access to government services to help them reintegrate as productive members of society.

Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, expressed optimism over the surrender of the NPA remnants, highlighting it as a clear outcome of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing local communist armed conflict.

"This development affirms the effectiveness of our peace efforts and the strong collaboration among our troops, local government agencies, peace-loving communities, and former rebels who now choose the path of peace. We recognize the courage it takes to leave behind a life of conflict. Their surrender not only weakens the NPA but also strengthens our path toward lasting peace, security, and development in the region," he said.

As the country moves forward under a renewed governance agenda, the surrender of former rebels is a beacon of hope that transformation is possible, where arms are laid down in exchange for a future rooted in peace, development, and unity. (4ID, PA/PIA Surigao del Sur)

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