Seven former members of the Communist Terrorist Group have surrendered in San Jose de Buan, Samar, and turned over firearms and explosives as they abandoned the armed struggle and returned to the fold of the law, the military said.
The surrender took place on May 29 through the peace efforts of the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the local government of San Jose de Buan and other community stakeholders.
The former rebels turned over two M16 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, hand grenade-type improvised explosive devices and anti-personnel mines.
Authorities said the surrender reflected the declining influence of the armed movement in Samar, where communities have long endured the impact of insurgency, including threats to public safety, disrupted livelihoods and delayed development projects.
Local officials said more former rebels are recognizing that peace and development can be pursued only through lawful and democratic means, not through armed violence.
The military said the surrender also weakened the group’s capability to threaten communities and conduct violent activities, especially with the turnover of firearms and explosives.
The former rebels underwent documentation and debriefing and are being processed for assistance under the Local Social Integration Program and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
The programs provide financial assistance, livelihood support and other interventions to help former rebels rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
“This development demonstrates that more CTG members are realizing the futility of armed struggle and recognizing that violence only prolongs the suffering of communities and families. Lasting solutions to societal concerns are best pursued through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means,” a local government official said.
The Army’s 8th Infantry Division said every surrender helps build safer communities and gives former rebels a chance to return to their families and live peacefully.
It also urged remaining members of the armed group to abandon violence, saying the path of peace offers greater hope, dignity and opportunity than a struggle that has brought hardship to communities for decades.