IN A strong commitment to peace and national reconciliation, the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) formally presented 232 former rebels to Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. on February 6, 2025, at Agila Hall, Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., Barangay Tuboran.
The event gathered key officials, including Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) Chief Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) Regional Director PBGen Leon Victor Rosete, and local government leaders, underscoring the strong support behind the initiative.
The former rebels, previously affiliated with the New People's Army (NPA) and Milisyang Bayan, surrendered across the division’s operational zone throughout 2024 and early 2025. Their reintegration was marked by the turnover of 111 firearms—64 high-powered and 47 low-powered—symbolizing their decision to abandon armed struggle and embrace peace.
Lagdameo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting their transition, commending their choice to leave violence behind in favor of progress.
“Today, we celebrate not only the return of these former rebels but also the success of our peace programs, which are built on strong collaborations among national, and local governments, and the military,” he said “This reflects the collective effort to build lasting peace for the future of our nation.”
Major General Allan Hambala, Commander of the 10th Infantry Division, underscored the importance of sustaining an insurgency-free environment and strengthening trust and cooperation.
“This event symbolizes transformation and marks a pivotal moment in our shared goal of ensuring a future free from insurgency,” Maj. Gen. Hambala noted.
To support their reintegration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided food packs to the former rebels as part of the government’s broader initiative to help them rebuild their lives. DEF