Brigadier General Vince James D. Bantilan, Commander of the 1001st Infantry (Pag-asa) Brigade, officially presented the surrenderers to Honorable Nelson L. Dayanghirang, Governor of Davao Oriental, marking another significant milestone in the province’s peace and security efforts.
The surrender was made possible through the collaborative initiatives of the 1001st Brigade, the 66th Infantry Battalion (66IB), the 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB), the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office (DOPPO), the Davao Oriental Former Rebel Association (DOFRA), PTF-ELCAC and grassroots community partners. Their collective efforts encouraged the lie-low CTGs to resurface, publicly renounce armed struggle, withdraw support from the CPP-NPA terrorist groups, and commit to rebuilding their lives in peace.
During the ceremony, the surrenderers turned over 39 assorted firearms and various war materiel.
Bantilan in his message emphasized that the surrender of 101 individuals is more than a statistic, it is a testament to the power of collaboration, trust, and genuine government concern for its people. He underscored that the achievement reflects the success of the whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach in sustaining peace and development.
“Peace is always possible when hearts are willing to change and communities are ready to welcome,” Bantilan said.
Dayanghirang wholeheartedly accepted the former CTG members and commended the 1001st Brigade for facilitating the activity, describing it as a meaningful platform that offers renewed hope and opportunity for those who have chosen the path of peace.
Officer of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC); Dir. Rhuelo D. Aradanas, Regional Director of DSWD 11, who delivered a video message; and representatives from the Provincial Interior and Local Government and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development.