SENATOR Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri vowed to provide more support for rebel returnees as he congratulated the 89th Infantry Battalion (IB) during its 8th-anniversary celebration on Friday, September 18, 2025.
The event, held at the battalion’s headquarters in South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon, honored the unit’s success in dismantling communist armed groups and declared the southern part of the province “armed-free.”
As the guest of honor and speaker, Senator Zubiri, who holds the rank of Army reservist Lieutenant Colonel, praised the battalion’s efforts.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the 89th IB for their 8th anniversary. And we are so thankful for their peacekeeping efforts. Many members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and CPP have already surrendered,” he said in an interview on Friday.
The senator emphasized the importance of sustaining these gains by helping former rebels reintegrate into society.
He promised assistance to those who surrender, citing a recent case where he provided cash and other aid to returnees from Quezon, Bukidnon.
“The important thing is to help them with their future. The future of their children. That’s why I was given three medals, because about two months ago, there were rebel returnees who came down from the mountains, and we helped them with cash assistance, rice, everything,” Zubiri said.
“I told Colonel Bulao that if anyone else wants to come down from the mountains, our office is always 100 percent willing to help,” he added.
He added that the goal is to achieve “peace and development, and development to peace.”
Southern Bukidnon Declared Armed-Free
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, reiterated and announced that the southern part of Bukidnon, along with all areas under his command, has been declared free of armed conflict.
Hambala, however, warned soldiers that their work is not over. “Even though we no longer have armed enemies, our work now is heavier,” he said.
“We must sustain our gains while preparing ourselves to shift to a territorial defense operation. Maintain discipline, be serious about the work, and let’s strengthen our stakeholders and LGUs.”
Battalion Commanders’ Messages
Lt. Col. Antonio “Tony” Bulao I, the commander of the 89th IB, called on his troops to maintain their high standards. “Let us strive for excellence in every mission, every operation, and every engagement,” he said.
He emphasized that the battalion’s prestige and the trust of the people rest on the soldiers’ commitment to their mantra: “No alibi, no excuses, no shortcuts, no passing of blame, but only accountability, responsibility, and commitment to accomplish the mission.”
Bulao also expressed gratitude to the battalion’s “peace partners,” including civil society and the public, for their vital support. He also recognized the families of the soldiers as “silent partners” in their mission.
During the celebration, an audio-visual presentation highlighted the battalion’s key accomplishments, particularly the dismantling of several armed groups, including the Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 1, Sub-Regional Command 5 (SRC) 5, and Guerilla Front (GF) 55, among others. The presentation noted that each surrender was considered a victory.
The 89th Infantry Battalion’s covers the entire 3rd District of Bukidnon, including the municipalities of Maramag, Don Carlos, Quezon, Dangcagan, Kadingilan, Kibawe, Damulog, Kitaotao, 19 barangays of San Fernando, 23 barangays of Valencia City, and two barangays of Davao City.
