Two individuals identified by the Philippine Army as members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered to government forces in the hinterlands of Barangay Cagsalay, Arteche, Eastern Samar, on October 29, 2026, according to the Army's 8th Infantry Division.
801st Brigade and Two Battalions Facilitated the Surrender
The surrender was facilitated by the 801st Infantry Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, together with personnel from the 52nd and 87th Infantry Battalions, according to the division's public affairs office. The two surrenderees are currently in the custody of the concerned unit for documentation and disposition.
The 8th Infantry Division identified the two as active members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
Firearms and Ammunition Recovered from Concealed Location
Based on information provided by the two surrenderees, government forces recovered weapons from a concealed location. The recovered items included one M16 Colt AR-15 rifle, one short steel magazine, and one .38-caliber revolver with three rounds of ammunition, the 8th Infantry Division said.
Flight from Dolores Armed Encounter Preceded the Surrender
According to initial reports cited by the Army, the two had fled following an armed encounter in Barangay Jicontol, Dolores, Eastern Samar, on October 28, 2026 — one day before their surrender in Arteche.
Army Credits Intelligence Work and Family Engagement
The 8th Infantry Division attributed the surrender to sustained intelligence efforts, continuous engagement with the families of the two individuals, and support from the Local Government Unit of Arteche through local peace engagements, the division's public affairs office stated.
Dolores Mayor Calls on Remaining CTG Members to Stand Down
Dolores Mayor Zaldy Carpeso called on remaining CTG members to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government reintegration programs, according to the Army. The appeal was relayed through the 8th Infantry Division's public affairs office.
Arteche Now Under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition
The 8th Infantry Division announced that the municipality of Arteche has been declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), according to its November 4, 2026 press release.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army