Former members of the New People's Army (NPA) are now helping maintain peace and order in the town of Malapatan in Sarangani. 

More than 200 of them who have surrendered since 2019 are now serving as force multipliers, and safety and security forces. They are referred to as "kamlung banwe" and are playing a big role in securing the town, the mayor said.

It was in 2019 when Malapatan was declared insurgency-free.

“Sila karon ang atong boundary guard, forestry guard nato. Sila pud ang nagabantay sa mga heavy equipment nato nga nagatrabaho sa roads going sa lagyo nga mga barangay,” Malapatan Mayor Salway Sumbo Jr., said.

The former rebels underwent training in first aid, marksmanship, military discipline, and immediate action drills, among others, before they could serve as “kamlung banwe.”

They receive a monthly honorarium from the local government and their children are also recipients of a scholarship program.

“Wala na’y mga extortion nga muabot diri sa amoa. Makita nato ang katawhan, mibalik na gyud sila sa sabakan sa gobyerno lalo na tong mga affected sauna sa insurgency,” Sumbo said.