CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Another major setback marked the continuing decline of the New Peopleβs Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur, as five of its remnants composed of three regular members and two Milisya ng Bayan (MB) surrendered to troops of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, bringing along with them seven high-powered firearms on July 4 and 6, 2025.
The surrender was successfully facilitated by the 75th Infantry Battalion, under the 401st Infantry Brigade, in close coordination with intelligence units and the local populace.
On July 4, two MBs operating in Brgy. Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur yielded through the negotiation efforts of the Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) and Civil-Military Operations personnel of 75IB deployed at Sitio Nalindog of the same barangay. They also surrendered two AK47 rifles.
Meanwhile, on July 6, three other regular members – identified as a former team leader, a medic, and a squad leader – also surrendered to the same unit, bringing with them one RPK light machine gun, three AK-47 rifles, and one M14 rifle.
According to the surrenderers, their decision to yield was driven by the emotional toll of being away from their families, as well as the extreme exhaustion and lack of food while in hiding.
Lieutenant Colonel Earl C. Pardillo, the newly-installed Commanding Officer of 75IB, said the surrender is an outcome of sustained civil-military engagements, combined with pressure from relentless focused military operations.
βThey have finally realized the futility of their senseless ideology. With our continued efforts and the constant support from communities, we are giving them a second chance at life – away from violence and fear through the help of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) where they will receive financial assistance, livelihood support, and other benefits to help them reintegrate into mainstream society,β he added.
Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., Commander of 4ID, welcomed with great hope the surrender of the NPA remnants, emphasizing the effectiveness of the whole-of-nation approach of the government in ending local communist armed conflict.
“This development is a testament to the effectiveness of our ongoing peace efforts and the collaborative partnership between our troops, different local government agencies, the residents of every peace-loving community in the region, and former rebels who are choosing the path of peace. We acknowledge the courage it takes for these individuals to leave behind a life of conflict and violence and return to the mainstream society. Their surrender not only weakens the NPA but also paves the way for lasting peace, security, and development in the region,” he said.
