A child born to former members of the New People's Army (NPA) was baptized at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, the 5th Infantry "Star" Division (5ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) said.

5ID said the parents, members of the "Agta tribe" from Rizal, Cagayan, surrendered to the government weeks before the child’s birth on January 17, 2025.

The baptism was attended by military officials and family members.

5ID said Major General Gulliver L. Señires, the infantry division's commander, encouraged the parents to provide a bright future for their child.

The baptism represented lasting peace and development in Zinundungan Valley, a former stronghold of communist insurgents in the 1980s and 1990s.

The mother was thankful to the military for their support.

"Lubos ang kanyang pasasalamat sa pamunuan ng 5ID sa pagsuporta at paggabay sa kanilang ligtas na pagbabalik sa mainstream na lipunan," the 5ID said.

The couple also called on remaining NPA members to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and surrender for the sake of peace and progress.

The government offers programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to assist former rebels and their families in starting anew.