Surrenders in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao Reinforce Earlier Insurgency-Free Declarations

Photo courtesy of Sunstar Davao, Jan 2026

A series of voluntary surrenders by former members of the Communist Terrorist Group in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao during January and February 2026 has reinforced earlier declarations of insurgency-free status in several provinces.

From Tacloban to Talaingod and Mati City, a total of six former rebels in Eastern Visayas, 92 in Davao del Norte, and 101 in Davao Oriental formally returned to the fold of the law within a span of weeks. Firearms were turned over and public renunciations of armed struggle were conducted in coordination with military, police, and local government units.

Eastern Visayas

In Eastern Visayas, six individuals voluntarily surrendered between January 24 and 25, according to Police Brigadier General Jason L. Capoy. One of them, a 44-year-old farmer known locally as “Mista,” surrendered an improvised shotgun in Northern Samar.

Authorities said the development formed part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach, which combines security operations with community engagement and reintegration support. Recent initiatives in the region have focused on dialogue, social services, and localized coordination with communities to encourage remaining members to disengage.

Davao del Norte

In Talaingod, Davao del Norte, 92 former rebels from dismantled Guerrilla Fronts and Pulang Bagani Commands under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee formally returned to the fold of the law on January 27. The ceremony was held at the Balimba Hills Activity Center and facilitated by the 60th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in coordination with local government officials and indigenous leaders, including Bae Pilar Libayao and Mayor Junnie Libayao. Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib also attended the event.

The group surrendered 29 low-powered firearms and received immediate livelihood and financial assistance intended to support their reintegration into their respective communities. Military officials described the activity as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle remaining terrorist armed components in the province.

Davao Oriental

Days later, in Mati City, Davao Oriental, 101 former members of the New People’s Army surrendered and publicly renounced armed struggle in a ceremony facilitated by the 1001st Infantry Brigade. At least 39 firearms and other war materiel were turned over to authorities.

Brigadier General Vince James Bantilan said the surrender reflected the willingness of former rebels to disengage and the readiness of local communities to receive them through established reintegration mechanisms.

Security officials noted that many of those who surrendered had been inactive for some time. Their formal withdrawal and participation in public ceremonies completed the administrative and operational processes required for reintegration.

Several provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas have previously been declared insurgency-free following the dismantling of guerrilla fronts and the neutralization of armed elements. The recent surrenders are considered by local authorities as reinforcing those declarations.

Government agencies continue to implement reintegration programs that provide financial assistance, livelihood support, and access to social services. Local officials have emphasized that sustained development initiatives, particularly in rural and indigenous communities, remain essential to maintaining stability.

With the continued surfacing of former rebels and the turnover of firearms, authorities in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao report a steady transition from armed encounters to reintegration activities as part of ongoing stabilization efforts.