Two alleged members of a communist armed group voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Talakag, Bukidnon, turning over firearms and live ammunition, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Wednesday.
Personnel from the 1004th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), under Police Regional Office 10, facilitated the surrender of alias “Tagyao,” 35, and alias “Morsid,” 33, both residents of Barangay Lantud, Talakag, on August 16, 2026.
Police identified the duo as Militia ng Bayan members affiliated with Platoon Fury, Sub-Regional Committee-5 under the North Central Mindanao Regional Command.
Tagyao also surrendered a caliber .38 revolver loaded with two live rounds, while Morsid surrendered an improvised shotgun with two 12-gauge live rounds.
According to the PNP, both individuals previously worked within the rebel group’s support network, delivering food and key logistical supplies to active combatants.
Authorities noted that the pair’s choice to step forward was largely influenced by former group members in their village who had earlier returned to the fold of the law and availed themselves of government assistance programs.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that stepping away from armed rebellion offers former insurgents a path to rebuild their lives while fostering peace in rural communities.
“Choosing to leave an armed group takes courage, and that decision can help prevent further conflict in the community,” Nartatez said.
“Kung gusto nilang magbago, may pagkakataon silang magsimula ulit at mamuhay nang tahimik kasama ang kanilang pamilya,” he added.
The police force noted that the surrender aligns with its Enhanced Managing Police Operations framework under the PNP Focused Agenda, which seeks to encourage members of threat groups to lay down their weapons peacefully.
Both surrendered individuals, along with the turned-over firearms and ammunition, remain in the custody of the 1004th Maneuver Company, RMFB 10 for custodial debriefing, official profiling and documentation.