Surigao Sur insurgents embrace gov’t peace agenda
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The national government’s intensified peace and development campaign in Surigao del Sur continues to gain momentum as members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered following the recent neutralization of a top rebel leader during a military operation in the province.
The 4th Infantry Division, through the 401st Infantry Brigade and its operating battalions, facilitated the surrender of CTG members in separate operations conducted in Surigao del Sur on May 15 and 16.
According to military reports, two CTG members affiliated with the Regional Operations Command of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered following joint efforts of the 4ID intelligence unit and the 75th Infantry Battalion. The surrenderers turned over one AK47 rifle, one rifle grenade, one scope, and three rifle magazines.
Another CTG member also yielded to troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, and surrendered an R4 rifle along with ammunition.
The surrender took place days after the armed encounter in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, on May 11, which resulted in the neutralization of Edilberto Daval, also known by his aliases “Bong,” “Waco,” and “Bill,” who was identified as a commanding officer of the CTG operating in the region.
According to the 401st IB, the recent surrender indicates declining morale and operational capability among the remaining insurgents, as more rebel members begin to realize the futility of armed struggle.
In a press statement, Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the surrenderers decided to return to the fold of the law after experiencing continuous setbacks within their organization.
“We welcome their decision to abandon armed violence and choose the path of peace. This only shows that the government’s sincere efforts in addressing insurgency and helping former rebels start anew are working,” Aynera said.
He also encouraged remaining CTG members to surrender and avail themselves of government assistance programs designed to help former rebels rebuild their lives and reunite with their families and communities.
Meanwhile, Major General Marion T. Angcao emphasized that the continuing surrender of CTG members demonstrates the effectiveness of the national government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency while advancing peace and development in conflict-affected communities.
He assured the public that the government remains committed to sustaining focused security operations alongside development interventions to end local communist armed conflict and achieve lasting peace in Surigao del Sur.
The government, as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., continues to strengthen reintegration programs for former rebels through livelihood assistance, social support services, and community-based development initiatives anchored on peace, security, and inclusive growth under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)