Forty-two (42) members of communist mass organization and ‘Militia ng Bayan’ surrendered in Davao Oriental on Monday, October 11.

Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) Focal Person and Vice-Chairman said the mass surrender happened in Barangay Lantawan in the Municipality of Lupon through the Revitalized Police sa Barangay (RPSB).

“This mass surrender is a manifestation that the communist terrorists no longer have the mass base support they used to take advantage of,” Dayanghirang said.

Soldiers from the 701st Infantry Kagitingan Brigade, 66th Infantry Kabalikat Battalion, and members of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO) facilitated the localized peace negotiation through the community support program — all under the Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte, localized by Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang through EO13.

During the mass surrender, some of the former MB and mass organization members shared their experiences as “runners” of the communist group that put their lives at stake as well.

They also said that while others did not know what they have gotten themselves into, some are left without a choice but to support the rebel group.

The dialogue gave a chance for the PTF-ELCAC to educate former MB and mass organization members about the government’s efforts to end insurgency. It also allowed space for the latter to open up about their participation in the armed struggle, and vow their support and loyalty back to the government.

Dayanghirang added that the rebels could not fully operate without the support of the mass organization. Hence, now that the people are active advocates of peace, the government’s goal of an insurgency country is within reach.

The MB members are to undergo custodial debriefing and profiling as part of the requirements for them to avail the government’s reintegration program called “Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.” | By Shaye Dacles