19 March 2026
A record-breaking mass return to legal fold ceremony involving hundreds of PDF members was held this morning at the Central Command Headquarters in Mandalay Region.
The event marked the largest number of individuals returning to legal fold since the military began inviting PDF members, including those affiliated with the NUG, to do so. A total of 506 individuals took part in the ceremony. Due to the large turnout, the main hall was unable to accommodate all attendees, and the event was therefore held on the parade ground.
Most of those returning to legal fold were members of Mandalay-based PDF groups and their allied organizations, who had reportedly been retreating after suffering losses in areas they had temporarily controlled during military offensives. Of the 506 individuals, 453 were men and 53 were women. More than 70 weapons and over 6,000 rounds of ammunition were also handed over. Authorities reportedly provided financial rewards amounting to several hundred million kyats.
Thousands of PDF members had previously returned to legal fold, and with this latest group, the total number is estimated to have reached around 2,000. Reports suggest that more members may follow, citing factors such as alleged misuse of donation funds by NUG and PDF support networks, heavy casualties in clashes, and involvement of some members in criminal activities. As public support and donations have declined, many are said to be facing increasing hardship.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that some PDF groups have begun issuing threats to deter members from returning to legal fold, amid the growing number of such cases.
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