‘Itataya ko po ang serbisyo ko kung may mangyari sa kanila…’ – BGEN Salvador assures nothing bad will happen if rebels in Kalinga surrender

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Speaking during the Kapehan meeting of the Provincial Government of Kalinga on Monday, December 1, 2025, 503rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Rhenante Salvador renewed the Philippine Army’s call for the remaining rebels in the province to surrender peacefully. He assured them that they will not be harmed, contrary to what “fake news” circulating online seeks to instill in the minds of the public.

Salvador made the statement in connection with recent encounters between government troops and members of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the mountainous areas of Pinukpuk, Kalinga, where one insurgent was killed and a soldier injured.

During the meeting, held at the new conference hall of the Kalinga Capitol, Salvador addressed social media claims suggesting that rebels who surrender would be treated inhumanely or face harm.

The Brigadier General emphasized that such posts insinuate that the military violates human rights and are intended to discourage NPAs from leaving the movement. He clarified that the military, together with the Provincial Government headed by Governor James Edduba and the concerned local government units (LGUs), is committed to supporting and treating humanely those who choose to return to the fold of the law.

“Hindi ko po alam kung ano ang nasa isip ng mga nagpopost sa social media, na para bang we are violating human rights. Sinasabi nila, kapag nagsurrender, papatayin. Kung makausap po natin ang remaining rebels, we ensure their safety. Makikooperate lang po sila sa amin o sa barangay, sa local government units… Matutulungan silang magkaroon ng magandang buhay… We will make sure — itataya ko po ang serbisyo ko — kung may mangyaring masama man sa kanila (if they surrender),” Salvador stated.

The Brigade Commander appealed anew to the still-active members of the armed group to leave the movement, while also reminding the public not to spread misinformation online, as it only heightens fear in the communities.

“Surrender po sila, kahit sa PNP, kung doon sila mas komportable. Walang mangyayari po sa kanila. Sabihin po nila kung nasaan sila, susunduin namin sila. Hindi ho sila masasaktan. Iyon po ang aming pinapakiusap,” the general added.

Pinukpuk, Kalinga, particularly Barangays Bayao and Allaguia, gained the spotlight after six gun battles between the army and the rebels transpired from November 21 to 27, resulting in the death of one rebel and the injury of one soldier.