NINETY-TWO former rebels from dismantled units of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) formally returned to the fold of the law on Jan. 27, 2026, during a mass surrender ceremony at Balimba Hills Activity Center, Brgy. Sto. Niño.
The surrenderees represented various dismantled guerrilla fronts, Pulang Bagani Command, and regional headquarters.
The event was facilitated by the 60th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division, in coordination with local government officials.
Key dignitaries in attendance included Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, Talaingod Mayor Junnie Libayao, and Bae Pilar Libayao, Chairperson of the Indigenous Political Structure.
As part of their transition, the 92 individuals turned in 29 assorted low-powered firearms.
In return, they received immediate financial assistance and food packs from local government units to support their reintegration into the community.
Brigadier General Christopher Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, formally presented the group, marking the start of what he called a “new chapter of peace and unity.”
Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, emphasized that the event was a milestone for the region’s development.
“This is not a surrender for me—this is an embrace of Kalinaw. Starting today, you are no longer former rebels; you are our peace partners,” Luzon said. “When we work together as one government and one community, progress will continue.”
Military officials stated the surrender underscores the 10ID’s commitment to sustaining insurgency-free status in the Davao Region and preventing the resurgence of communist terrorist groups.
The fall of the SMRC
The SMRC was once considered the “crown jewel” of the communist insurgency in the Philippines due to its influence over the Davao Region’s resource-rich areas.
The committee previously controlled various guerrilla fronts (GF) and Pulang Bagani Commands (PBC) across Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City.
The successful implementation of the “Whole-of-Nation” approach led to the declaration of the Davao Region as insurgency-free in late 2022.
With the surrender of these 92 individuals—many of whom hailed from Regional Headquarters and Sub-Regional Committees—the military has further prevented the resurgence of dismantled units, effectively turning former “conflict areas” into “peace zones.”
Talaingod, once a stronghold for recruitment, is now transitioning towards tourism and agricultural development.
The presence of Gov. Jubahib and Mayor Libayao signifies that these “peace partners” are now under the protection of civilian social services.
The involvement of Bae Pilar Libayao is also seen as a crucial development. It demonstrates that the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) has regained full authority over ancestral domains, effectively rejecting insurgent influence.
