TWENTY-FOUR remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) of the 1001st Infantry Brigade.
BGen Felix Ronnie B. Babac lauded the 60th Infantry Battalion for securing the surrender of 24 on-the-run CTG members once operating in the brigade’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
From Aug. 2 to 4, 2025, seven regular members and 17 Milisyang Bayan (MB) of the Dismantled Sub-Regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), including remnants of guerrilla fronts 33 and 34, surrendered to 60IB at its headquarters in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, under LTC Jovily Carmel Cabading, commanding officer.
The surrenderees turned over 21 assorted high-powered and low-powered firearms, which included M16 rifles, a Carbine rifle, M1 Garand rifles, a homemade KG9, and one Cal. 45 pistol (with defaced serial number).
The surrendered low-powered firearms included seven homemade shotguns, two Armscor shotguns, one homemade Ingram pistol (defaced serial), two homemade .357 revolvers, a homemade KG9, and a Garand rifle (with serial).
This breakthrough was the result of intensified intelligence operations by 60IB, Kalinaw SEMR, Military Intelligence Group (MIG) 11, ISAFP, and the exploitation of documents from a June 19, 2025, encounter in Barangay Sayon, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur.
This effort was bolstered by the strategic deployment of a forward observer detachment in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, which pressured the remaining DSRC4 remnants to surface.
Following their surrender, the individuals underwent immediate custodial debriefings and medical checkups to ensure their well-being.
They are now being processed for assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Firearms Remuneration Program, aimed to provide support and livelihood opportunities to help them reintegrate into civilian life and encourage peaceful surrender.
Babac praised 60IB’s decisive action, noting its role in sustaining the gains of an insurgency-free AOR.
“As we work to preserve our hard-earned peace, I call on every soldier to give their best in achieving our ardent desire for lasting peace,” he said.
Addressing the remaining CTG members still in hiding, BGen Babac added, “To those who have yet to return, lay down your arms and reunite with your families. Beyond the conflict lies a better life of hope, peace, and opportunity. We stand ready to welcome you back.”
Photos courtesy of 1001st Infantry Brigade
