01 December 2025 (Tupi, South Cotabato) β The 38th Infantry βWe Clearβ Battalion, under the leadership of LTC Erwin E. Felongco INF (GSC) PA, formally presented seven (7) former top cadres and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peopleβs Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) along with their surrendered firearms, to BGEN Omar V. Orozco PA, Commander of the 1st Mechanized βMaaasahanβ Brigade, Armor Division, Philippine Army, in a ceremony held in Tupi, South Cotabato.
This event underscores the battalionβs sustained gains in maintaining peace, security, and stability across South Cotabato and nearby provinces, following intensified focused military operations and strengthened community engagement.
The ceremony was attended by key national and regional partners from the peace, security, and development sectors, including:
– Hon. Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., Governor of South Cotabato, represented by Ms. Sonia L. Bautista, E-CLIP Secretariat / PSWD Officer
– Local Amesty Board Koronadal led by Ms. Mariannie B. Uy, Peace Program Officer lll
– Dir. Harold Nacional, NICA Region 12
– PBGen Arnold Ardiente, PRO 12
– Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-LapiΓ±a, Director IV, LCT-FISU
– Dir. Loreto V. Cabaya Jr., DSWD XII
β’ Mr. Jorge Paolo Estember, Office of the 2nd Congressional District of South Cotabato
Their participation highlights the whole-of-government approach in encouraging remaining CPP-NPA-NDF members to peacefully surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society through various government programs and support mechanisms.
A total of seven (7) firearms were turned over during the activity.
The turnover of these weapons delivers a significant blow to the remaining CPP-NPA-NDF elements and contributes to the continuing efforts to reduce the threat posed by armed insurgency in the region.
The successful surrender of the former rebels was achieved through the joint efforts of the 38IB, NICA Region 12, South Cotabato PPO, PRO 12, the 105th Infantry Battalion of the 6th Infantry Division, PA, and the 39th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division, PA.
The 38th Infantry Battalion reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace and development by supporting former rebels in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into peaceful and productive communities.
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