Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Recently, a total of 506 members of the Myanmar People's Defense Army (PDF) officially returned to the rule of law, including 453 men and 53 women. These members have accepted and trust the peace process promoted by the state and the Myanmar Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces), voluntarily bringing their weapons and ammunition into the legal system, and were subsequently handed over to their parents or guardians.
It is reported that the Myanmar state government has been actively carrying out repatriation efforts, inviting members of various armed groups, represented by the PDF, that oppose the state government to return to the legal framework, and promising to provide necessary assistance and support for those reintegrating into legitimate society. Driven by a series of positive measures, members of various PDF factions have gradually abandoned armed resistance and returned to the rule of law. The various columns of the Myanmar Tatmadaw have also successfully recaptured and controlled areas in the Mandalay region previously temporarily occupied by PDF allies. Local residents warmly welcomed and strongly supported these developments, giving them high praise and encouragement.
As cooperation and trust between the public and the Myanmar Armed Forces deepen, the morale of terrorists has declined, and they are no longer willing to continue resisting. More and more PDF members, hoping to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful lives, are voluntarily choosing to reintegrate into legitimate society, and relevant regional officials have clearly indicated their acceptance.
Yesterday, a handover ceremony was solemnly held at the Central Military Region Command's parade ground, officially returning 506 individuals who had entered legal guardianship to their parents or guardians. Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Central Military Region Commander Brigadier General Aung Htay, relevant government officials, department staff, returning individuals and their parents/guardians, as well as invited guests attended the ceremony.
At the ceremony, the Chief Minister of Mandalay Region delivered the opening address, followed by a detailed explanation of the relevant legal provisions and a speech by Brigadier General Aung Htay, Commander of the Central Military Region. Subsequently, the returning personnel voluntarily surrendered all weapons and ammunition they were carrying, including 78 firearms of various types, 38 hand grenades, 3 communication devices, 50 magazines of various types, 3,362 rounds of ammunition of various types, 14 landmines, 1 bulletproof vest, and 5 bulletproof helmets, which were received by Brigadier General Aung Htay on their behalf.
To encourage the returning personnel to firmly adhere to the path of peace, the Chief Minister and Commander awarded them prizes and financial assistance, specifically: 5 million kina per automatic rifle, 7.5 million kina per rocket launcher, 500,000 kina per homemade firearm, 300,000 kina per hand grenade, 200,000 kina per communication device, 200,000 kina per bulletproof vest, and 200,000 kina per bulletproof helmet. In addition, each returning personnel received a living allowance of 100,000 kina. The total amount of funds and supplies provided was approximately 200 million kina. Afterwards, all returning personnel signed a peace pledge and were returned to their parents or guardians in turn.
At the end of the ceremony, the Chief Minister, commanders, and relevant officials inspected the weapons and ammunition surrendered by the returning individuals, warmly greeted the attendees, and provided refreshments. The 506 returning individuals came from various townships in Mandalay and Magway Regions.
It is understood that most members who transitioned from the PDF group to legitimate society were initially recruited under duress or threats against their families. They stated that they could no longer tolerate acts of terrorism, and that the PDF group contained severe hierarchical oppression, torture, killings, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse. Furthermore, the group was powerless to resist attacks from the Myanmar Armed Forces, and morale was extremely low. Therefore, they chose to accept and trust the peace process between the state and the armed forces, hoping to live peacefully within the legal framework. These returning individuals also expressed their willingness to actively contribute to the country and the public in the future, acknowledging the losses they had caused to the country and its people due to their past actions.
Currently, relevant departments in Myanmar welcome all those reintegrating into legitimate society and will provide them with necessary assistance, systematically and orderly returning them to their parents or guardians. It is understood that some PDF members still hope to return to civilian life. Relevant departments are urging such individuals to contact nearby district or township administrative agencies, military camps, or police stations as soon as possible. They will be welcomed and will receive necessary assistance and appropriate compensation for their weapons and ammunition.
