Five alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group surrendered to authorities in Palanas, Masbate, leading to the recovery of firearms and an arms cache, the Philippine National Police said.
The surrender took place on June 28 in Barangay San Isidro, where the individuals, identified only by their aliases “Jeffrey,” “Niki” or “Bunso,” “Rodel,” “Banjo,” and “Bimboy,” turned themselves over to government forces.
Police said the five surrendered three firearms: a caliber .38 revolver, a homemade shotgun, and a Bushmaster caliber 5.56 rifle.
Acting on information from the surrenderers, a joint operating team later located a concealed arms cache in the area.
Authorities recovered assorted ammunition, improvised explosive device components, rifle magazines, grenade launch munitions, communication equipment, batteries, electrical materials, and other war materiel.
Police said the items were believed to have been intended for future hostile activities. The recovered materials were secured for documentation and proper disposition.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units and partner agencies involved in the operation.
“Ang ganitong mga pangyayari ay nagpapakita na may puwang pa rin para sa kapayapaan at pagbabago. Sa mga nagpasiyang sumuko, binigyan nila ang kanilang sarili ng pagkakataong magsimula muli,” Nartatez said.
He also thanked police personnel and partner agencies for the coordinated operation that led to the safe recovery of weapons and other dangerous materials.
Nartatez urged remaining members of armed groups to return to the fold of the law.
“Mas mabuti ang buhay na kasama ang pamilya kaysa patuloy na mamuhay sa karahasan at pangamba. Bukas ang pamahalaan sa mga nais magbagong-buhay,” he said.
The PNP said it will continue working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other agencies, and local communities to sustain peace and security operations.