THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has recorded 900 members of the Community Terrorist Group who surrendered within its area of responsibility since June of last year.
Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for EastMinCom, shared these figures during Wednesday’s Davao Peace and Security Press Briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
“As a total number of surrenderers, all in all from June 2024 up to date, we have a total of 874,” Evangelista stated, noting that this period covers the tenure of EastMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Rex Luis Bergante.
She confirmed that these 874 individuals have officially surrendered and withdrawn their support from the CTGs.
Evangelista emphasized that the rising number of surrenderers is directly linked to the immediate assistance they receive from local government units. They were also enrolled in the government’s flagship Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides a holistic package of benefits to aid their reintegration into mainstream society.
For those facing legal issues, Evangelista explained that they have the option to apply for reprieve through the government’s amnesty program.
She mentioned that “friends rescued” – referring to former rebels – have also been granted amnesty through this initiative.
“They were taken care of, our surrenderers,” Evangelista affirmed, underscoring the government’s commitment to their welfare.
As of previous recordings, approximately 20 former rebels had already availed themselves of the amnesty program.
Evangelista added, “Lately, we have conducted forums so that we can check others who applied for [amnesty] because there are some surrenderers who are still facing cases and others are still applying.”
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
