Choosing peace: Former NPA members reunite with families, start new life
By Nora L. Molde
Former NPA members Longlong, Dagsa, and Liza surrender to the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion in this photo taken on December 24, 2025, in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, choosing peace and family this Christmas. (Photo courtesy of 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Three New People’s Army (NPA) combatants chose peace this Christmas season, surrendering to the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB) in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, on December 24.
Their act of laying down arms, turning over a rifle and ammunition, marked a conscious decision to leave armed struggle behind, reunite with their families, and embrace a lawful and productive life.
The surrenderers, identified by their aliases as Longlong (Kokie), Dagsa (Anol/Juri), and Liza (Mikmik/Cindy/Maru/Hamara), were part of a remnant communist terrorist group (CTG) operating in Agusan del Norte.
For them, the longing to be with family and celebrate the season in safety outweighed the call of the mountains and the rhetorical flourish of rebellion.
“We want to be with our loved ones and live a peaceful life,” shared Liza, reflecting the personal nature of their decision. Their return to civilian life highlights the power of family ties, hope, and the Christmas spirit in inspiring individuals to choose peace.
“The surrender underscores the strong influence of family and the spirit of Christmas in encouraging individuals to choose peace,” said Lieutenant Colonel Glennford C. Libre, acting commanding officer of the 23IB. “We are committed to guiding them as they reintegrate into society through lawful, government-supported programs.”
The former rebels were enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides livelihood, education, and social support to help surrenderers start anew and become peace advocates.
At the national level, government agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the Office of the President have consistently issued directives urging insurgents to surrender, avail themselves of reintegration and amnesty programs, and return to the folds of the law. These programs have provided a pathway to reconciliation and productive citizenship through a safe reintegration process into communities.
Brigadier General Adolfo B. Espuelas Jr., commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, said, “This Christmas is the perfect opportunity to reunite with your families and start a peaceful and lawful life.”
The story of Longlong, Dagsa, and Liza demonstrates both the effectiveness of government reintegration programs and the human desire for peace, family, and hope, a timely reminder that it is never too late to choose a better path, even in the midst of conflict. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from 23rd IB PA)