CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – 46 New People's Army mass base supporters surrendered on the afternoon of August 26, 2021, through the joint localized peace engagement efforts of 80th Infantry Battalion, Task Force Ugnay, and the local government unit of Barangay Lumutan, General Nakar, Quezon.

The 46 NPA supporters accompanied by Honorable Meguiling V. Dela Cruz, a Kagawad of the aforementioned barangay, went to the headquarters of the 80th Infantry Battalion, in Barangay Pinugay, Baras, Rizal, at around 3:00 p.m., of the said date to withdraw their support from the communist terrorist group and clear their names.

According to Honorable Urlando Surbano, the Barangay Chairman and concurrent Chairperson of the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Barangay Lumutan, the 46 personalities were part of a large CPP/NPA mass base supporter that went to their barangay, and provided testimonies on their involvement with the armed group, particularly with Komite Larangang Gerilya NARCISO, Sub-Regional Military Area 4A of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee.

Upon their surrender, 80th IB facilitated the psycho-social rehabilitation, profiling, and validation, as well as the deradicalization process of the surrenderees. Coordination’s was also made with the local chapter of the National Commission on Indigenous People, the regional down to the barangay level Task Force ELCAC, and other government agencies for the processing of the 46 personalities.

Major General Rowen S Tolentino commander of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army lauded the barangay officials; and welcomed the 46 personalities saying.  "To the barangay officials of Barangay Lumutan, please accept my gratitude as I congratulate all of you for a job well done.  While to our 46 brethren, we welcome you back again to our Filipino family. What you've done is a big step towards the attainment of peace. I thank you for trusting our government and your Philippine Army".

The recent developments in the communities were brought about by the efforts of the ELCAC task forces, from the regional down to the barangay level that became institutionalized through Executive Order number 70. It can be recalled that no less than His Excellency President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the said executive order on December 4, 2018, aimed at ending the communist insurgency in the country.