Four individuals with alleged ties to communist insurgent and underground mass organizations surrendered to authorities across Eastern Visayas on Tuesday, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) continued intensified community-based peace and security operations in former conflict-affected areas.
The PNP said three of the individuals were former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), while one was affiliated with an underground mass organization (UGMO). The surrenders took place in separate incidents in Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, and Eastern Samar.
In Matuguinao, Samar, a 34-year-old farmer known as “Bian,” a former CTG medic, surrendered to the 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company.
In Bobon, Northern Samar, a 26-year-old habal-habal driver identified as “Dekoy,” allegedly linked to a CTG unit operating in Eastern Visayas, was yielded during a police operation by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8.
In Leyte, a 53-year-old farmer known as “Ka Oscar,” described by police as a former New People’s Army member, surrendered at the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company headquarters and turned over a .38-caliber revolver with ammunition.
In Eastern Samar, a 46-year-old farmer identified as “Jasper,” affiliated with a UGMO, also surrendered and is undergoing verification and documentation.
The PNP said the surrenders reflect gains from sustained community engagement and law enforcement efforts, encouraging individuals to abandon armed movements and return to civilian life.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of community cooperation in advancing peace initiatives and reiterated the call for remaining insurgent members to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.