22/10/2026
EASTERN VISAYAS REBEL SURRENDERS DEAL BLOW TO INSURGENCY
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., scored another gain in its anti-insurgency campaign as five members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and affiliated underground organizations surrendered to authorities in Eastern Visayas in October 2026.
In Hinabangan, Samar, on October 13, two farmers aged 30 and 54, known by their aliases “Elmer” and “Mar,” surrendered to authorities. Both were linked to the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). They also yielded one r***e gr***de, one .45-caliber pistol, one magazine, five rounds of live am******on, and one hand gr***de.
Meanwhile, a 34-year-old farmer, alias “Nonoy,” surrendered in Catarman, Northern Samar, on October 18, while a 25-year-old farmer, alias “James,” surrendered in Barangay Cagdine, Oras, Eastern Samar. The surrenders were facilitated by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 (RMFB-8), in collaboration with police intelligence units, local police stations, and Philippine Army intelligence personnel, as applicable to each operation.
All surrendered individuals are undergoing documentation, debriefing, and investigation. Their applications for possible inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are also being prepared to help facilitate their peaceful return to their communities.
“Every surrender reduces the capacity of armed groups to sustain their activities and threaten innocent communities. We will remain firm in enforcing the law while opening legitimate pathways for those who choose to abandon violence,” PGEN Nartatez said.
“May pagkakataon ang bawat isa na piliin ang kapayapaan at magsimulang muli. Hinihikayat natin ang mga nais nang iwan ang armadong pakikibaka na lumapit sa mga awtoridad upang matulungan silang makabalik sa kanilang pamilya at komunidad,” he added.
The PNP Focused Agenda provides the framework for strengthening police service, with Enhanced Managing Police Operations supporting intelligence-led action against security threats. These efforts complement government initiatives that encourage former rebels to return to peaceful and productive lives.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP remains steadfast in addressing insurgency and protecting communities while supporting peaceful reintegration, assuring the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
