Regime claims over 500 resistance fighters surrendered in Mandalay ceremony

By Admin 19 Mar 2026

DMG Newsroom

19 March 2026, Mandalay

Junta-affiliated media outlets have reported that more than 500 members of resistance forces have surrendered to the military regime, coinciding with the commencement of parliamentary sessions following the recent elections.

According to these reports, a total of 506 members from various groups, including the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA), and People’s Defence Forces (PDF) under the National Unity Government (NUG), attended a surrender ceremony held at the Central Regional Military Command in Mandalay on the morning of March 19.

“We are pleased that they have entered the legal fold without any coercion. They could no longer tolerate the terrorist acts of the so-called PDFs, such as forced recruitment, the threatening and killing of innocent civilians and civil servants, and the destruction of non-military targets like roads and bridges. They were also dissatisfied with the oppressive hierarchy and poor living conditions within those groups,” said Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung during the ceremony.

Reports state that out of the 506 individuals, 54 surrendered with weapons while 452 came without arms. The group reportedly included 53 women.

The regime further claimed that the total number of people who have surrendered under the Central Regional Military Command has now reached 1,180, with most aged between 15 and 20.

Resistance sources confirmed that some members did defect during recent clashes near Mogok, Thabeikkyin and Tagaung. However, they rejected the regime’s claim of mass surrender.

On March 13, the TRI Strategy of the People’s Defence Force acknowledged that during temporary withdrawals from certain areas in northern Mandalay Region, some individuals chose to defect to the military regime.

However, resistance representatives urged caution over the regime’s narrative, saying defections are being exaggerated for propaganda purposes.

“Defections happen on both sides. Even if one or two people switch sides, the military will exaggerate it to gain political legitimacy. We must remain vigilant and continue the struggle,” a mainland Myanmar-based resistance representative told DMG.

Analysts said the regime is likely amplifying such claims to project legitimacy following the reopening of parliament and ongoing political processes after the election.

“Some of the images show individuals in new PDF uniforms, which raises questions about whether the event was staged for publicity,” a political analyst said.

Another resistance member described the claims as propaganda, saying that while isolated defections may occur, large-scale surrenders are unlikely.

Previously, the junta-controlled Ministry of Information reported on February 13 that 150 PDF members and others had surrendered to the Central Regional Military Command.

Observers and resistance groups continue to say the regime’s repeated claims of mass surrenders are aimed at weakening opposition morale and shaping public perception.