IP leader in UCCP-Haran saga surrenders, vows to support gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22, 2023): IP leader in UCCP-Haran saga surrenders, vows to support gov't (By Che Palicte)

HARAN SAGA ENDS. Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib (left) hands over a PHP50,000 cash assistance to Datu Tungig Mansumuy-at, secretary-general of the Pasakkaday Salugpongan Kalimuddan (Pasaka) on Wednesday (March 22, 2023) in Tagum City, Davao del Norte province. Along with 14 others, Mansumuy-at surrendered to the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Datu Tungig Mansumuy-ut, the last indigenous people (IP) "bakwit" (evacuee) leader in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Haran, has surrendered to authorities on March 14 to witness the government's efforts to uplift the lives of his fellow IPs in Talaingod town.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Mansumuy-ut, who is also the secretary-general of the Pasakkaday Salugpongan Kalimuddan (Pasaka), said that while he was initially hesitant to surrender, he changed his mind after seeing how his fellow "bakwits" who surrendered were happy and productive with their families in their communities.

The group has been holed up at the UCCP Haran facility here since 2015, amid allegations from the military that its members are being exploited by the New People's Army (NPA) to pressure government troops in abandoning hinterland areas under the rebels' influence.

Mansumuy-at expressed gratitude to the Army's 1003rd Infantry Brigade and 56th Infantry Battalion for ensuring their safety and providing food for him and his family during their stay.

He also vowed to help the government's peace programs.

Col. Marion Angcao, the 1003IB commander, said they have been monitoring Mansumuy-at's group during their stay in Haran and eventually lost contact when the group left the facility. However, one of their scholars helped facilitate their surrender.

Governor Edwin Jubahib thanked Mansumuy-at's group for responding to their call for peace and urged them to convince other IPs who remain at large to return to the government.

"We are assuring your safety during your surrender," Jubahib added.

Jubahib handed over PHP50,000 in cash assistance to Mansumuy-at during the press briefing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197933