Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II disclosed during a press conference on January 30, 2025, that 15 members of the Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP) who had surrendered to the police were victims of large-scale illegal recruitment and human trafficking. The mayor highlighted that these individuals, originating from Monkayo, Davao de Oro, and surrounding areas, were enticed to Surigao City with the allure of lucrative employment opportunities by FTGP leaders Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas, known as Datu Adlaw, and Dodong Santisas.
Mayor Dumlao expressed gratitude towards the victims for their bravery in coming forward, emphasizing that their courage is vital for the pursuit of justice. He further explained that the recruits were misled into joining the group and engaging in illegal activities, such as locking down business establishments.
Two of the surrenderers, Danilo Montalbo from Monkayo and Ruel Martinez from Tago, Surigao del Sur, shared their experiences of being promised monthly salaries between PHP18,000 and PHP50,000, only to be coerced into unlawful actions instead.
Lt. Col. Diomedes Cuadra Jr., the commander of the First Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, reported that nine FTGP members from Davao de Oro voluntarily surrendered to the police, expressing their wish to return to their homes.
Surigao City Police Chief Lt. Col. Mariano Lukban confirmed that criminal complaints against the perpetrators have been submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office and are currently pending resolution. Once resolved, arrest warrants will be issued.
Col. Warren Dablo, the director of the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office, stated that the FTGP compound in Barangay Sabang is under constant surveillance. He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of minors and women within the compound during any planned operations.
Mayor Dumlao affirmed the city’s commitment to addressing the issue seriously and continuing efforts to dismantle any illegal activities associated with the group.