‘Not true na mga nagsurender ay napapabayaan… for 2026, I increased some of the budgets for the livelihood…’ – Gov. Edduba on assistance to rebels who surrender

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Following the series of armed encounters that caused anxiety among locals and those affected, Governor James S. Edduba reassured the public that the Philippine Army remains committed to supporting the province. He noted that the 2026 budget for livelihood assistance for rebels has been increased to ensure they are properly supported should they decide to surrender.

The governor made this statement during the Kapehan on December 1, 2025 at the Conference Hall in Bulanao. He said that the 2026 livelihood budget was raised to support both those who have already surrendered and those planning to do so, emphasizing that claims that these rebels are being neglected are not true.

“We expect the support from the Philippine Army and actually, in my budget for 2026, I increased some of the budgets for livelihood because eto na yung sinasabi natin na yung mga nauna nang nag-surrender ket we have to really give them support para—we can actually say na maganda naman ang kabuhayan ng mga nag-surrender. Actually, it’s not true na etong mga nag-surrender ay napapabayaan,” he said.

Edduba added that the provincial government is coordinating with the DSWD and PSWDO to monitor and support those who have surrendered, while also encouraging others to return. He said the increased budget ensures that early surrenderers receive proper assistance.

“That is why eto ang approach natin in working with the DSWD, PSWDO—to really see to it na masubaybayan natin etong mga nag-surrender. That is why, on the part of the provincial government, I increased some of my budget for this so that—just to really make sure and to walk our talk na tutulungan natin etong mga nag-surrender na nauna,” he added.

With the increased budget, Edduba emphasized that the provincial government remains committed to ensuring the welfare of those who have surrendered, providing them with livelihood support and continuous monitoring, while also encouraging those still in the mountains to return and reintegrate into their communities.

It can be recalled that two rebels (aliases Jaguar and Junix) in Kalinga surrendered after the rebels and the army engaged in a series of gun battles from November 21 to 25 in Bayao and Allaguia, Pinukpuk, which resulted in the killing of one rebel and the injury of one soldier.

In an interview with Brigadier General Rhenante Salvador, he confirmed that the two surrendered on November 28 and 29, 2025.

According to a report from the 103rd Infantry Battalion, before the clashes in Pinukpuk, there were 12 active rebels in Kalinga; after those encounters, only seven remained.