Peace efforts gain ground in Surigao Sur with high-ranking rebels’ surrender
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — The government’s peace and reintegration efforts continue to bear fruit as two high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion on Oct. 3 in Sitio Cagpangi, Barangay Cabangahan, Tago, Surigao del Sur.
The Philippine Army (PA) reported and identified the surrenderers as Demar Quinonez Montenegro, alias ‘Jansen,’ vice-commanding officer of Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), and Jacheel Canon Ayoste, alias ‘Riza,’ a medic of the same unit.
It added that the capitulation marked another breakthrough in the government’s continuing campaign to dismantle the operational networks of the communist terrorist group (CTG) in the province, as well as in the Northeastern part of Mindanao, including the Caraga region.
Their return to mainstream society was made possible through the intensified community engagement and peace-building efforts of the 36IB under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Joselito B. Ante Jr., in partnership with local government units (LGUs), peace advocates, and concerned stakeholders.
“The voluntary surrender of these high-ranking CTG personalities is a clear testament to the effectiveness of our focused military operations, backed by the whole-of-government approach,” said Lt. Col. Ante.
“Their decision to abandon the armed struggle opens a door to peace, not only for themselves but also for the communities that have long suffered under the communist terrorist group influence,” he added.
Following their surrender, the ‘friends rescued’ or former rebels have revealed the locations of hidden firearms and explosives in the hinterlands of Tago, leading to a successful recovery operation. The troops recovered one M16 rifle, one AK-MS Soviet-type assault rifle, three rifle grenades, fifteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two long steel AK magazines, and assorted medical paraphernalia.
Ante said that the arms recovery signified the weakening operational capability of the insurgent group and affirmed the growing confidence of former members in the government’s peace initiatives.
The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Program, both implemented through the whole-of-nation approach, provide former rebels with financial, livelihood, and reintegration assistance as they transition back to civilian life.
The program remains open until March 2026, serving as a pathway for those still in the mountains to start anew.
The surrender of Jansen and Riza reflected how sustained dialogue, community outreach, and socio-economic support are turning the tide toward lasting peace in Surigao del Sur and the greater Caraga region
As the government continues to push for peaceful reintegration over armed conflict, every story of surrender brings the nation closer to its vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, a country where development, inclusivity, and genuine peace prevail in every community. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)