29 October 2025 (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon) – β€œPanagsabuwa” is a Higaonon word which means Unity (Panaghiusa in the Visayan dialect) characterized by a ritual conducted to cleanse (panastas), to reconcile (panangkil) and to be accepted again (pamutwa).

Barangay St. Peter in Sitio Mahayag, Malaybalay City has been a hotbed of communist insurgency in the Province of Bukidnon since the 1980’s. The strong presence of CPP NPA rebels has caused conflict amongst its residents composed mostly of Indigenous People (IP) communities and has derailed progress in the area for so many years.

With the relentless efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), enemy presence was significantly scaled down in recent years allowing progress to slowly roll down its now well-paved roads and show its proud face on its verdant fields — bringing hope and dignity to its hardworking populace.

On October 29, 2025, the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion of the 403rd BDE, 4ID PA led the conduct of the Panagsabuwa Ritual to bring together tribal and community leaders, local government officials, Philippine Army troops and local residents in a ceremony of healing and forgiveness to mend the rifts of conflict and move forward as one community committed to their dreams of peace and reconciliation.

The event saw the mass surrender of one hundred sixty-seven (167) former rebels who were previously on β€œlie low” status, to formally return to the arms of the law.

Also highlighting the event are the Signing of the Withdrawal of Support to the CPP NPA NDF and the forging of the Tribal Settlement (Kasabutan) between the City of Malaybalay and the Tribal Councils. Inspirational Messages were given by 8IB PA Commander LTC Jeorge R. Jallorina INF (GSC) PA and 403rd BDE PA Commander BGEN Seigfred C. Tubalado PA; Hon. Arlyn P. Ayon, Swerte Partylist Representative; Punong Barangay Domingo Hingpit; Tribal Chieftain Datu Harry Sumbongan and Datu Christito Lailay.

LAB CDO PPO III Abigail F. Lai gave a lecture on the Amnesty Program’s key points and processes and likewise encouraged all the FRs present to come forward and benefit from this significant chance to start on a clean slate and claim a better future for them and their families. This offer was met with enthusiasm from the newly surrendered individuals who signified their interest to apply for amnesty through the assistance of the 8IB PA.

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