Six members of Communist Terrorist Groups surrendered to Philippine National Police units across Eastern Visayas in separate operations conducted from April 24 to 26, 2026, according to Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8).
The surrenders were facilitated under the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. as part of sustained peace and security efforts based in Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte. Several of the former rebels also turned over weapons and explosive materials to authorities.
First Day Surrenders Include Weapons Cache
On April 24, 2026, the 801st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 facilitated the surrender of a 46-year-old male from Oras, Eastern Samar. The individual was identified as a former member of SRC ARCTIC under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
On the same day, the 2nd Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company assisted the surrender of a 41-year-old male from Leyte, Leyte, who was formerly linked to SRC LEVOX of EVRPC. This individual turned over significant weapons and explosive materials, including one unmarked .38 revolver, two rounds of ammunition, one 40mm rifle grenade, and 4.5 meters of detonating cord.
Northern Samar Operations Yield Multiple Surrenders
The following day, April 25, 2026, saw another surrender when the 803rd Maneuver Company, RMFB 8 facilitated the surrender of a 28-year-old male from Catarman, Northern Samar. This individual was previously affiliated with SRC EMPORIUM of EVRPC.
April 26, 2026 marked the most active day of the three-day operation, with three separate surrenders across Northern Samar and Eastern Samar provinces. The Lope De Vega Municipal Police Station assisted the surrender of a 32-year-old male from Lope De Vega, Northern Samar, who also surrendered one rifle grenade to authorities.
The 804th Maneuver Company, RMFB 8 facilitated another surrender on the same day involving a 42-year-old male from Bobon, Northern Samar, who was formerly associated with SRC EMPORIUM of EVRPC.
Eastern Samar Concludes Operations
The final surrender of the three-day period was facilitated by the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, involving a 60-year-old male from Dolores, Eastern Samar. This individual was previously linked to SRC ARCTIC of EVRPC, the same unit as the first surrender on April 24.
All surrendering individuals are currently under the custody of their respective police units for documentation and assessment procedures. The PNP is evaluating their potential inclusion in the Government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
Enhanced Integration Program Supports Reintegration
The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program is designed to support former rebels' reintegration into peaceful and productive civilian life. The program provides various assistance measures to help individuals transition away from armed conflict and rejoin their communities as law-abiding citizens.
According to PNP officials, the documentation and assessment process determines each individual's eligibility for the program based on various factors including their previous role in communist organizations, willingness to cooperate with authorities, and commitment to peaceful reintegration.
PNP Transformation Framework Drives Success
The successful surrender operations reflect the implementation of the PNP Focused Agenda, described as a transformation framework designed to make police service more responsive and people-centered. The framework emphasizes active community support and enhanced management of police operations.
The initiative particularly strengthens programs that encourage former rebels to return to peaceful society through coordinated efforts between various PNP units and local government agencies across Eastern Visayas.
Police Chief Emphasizes Welcome Policy
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized the force's continued openness to former rebels choosing to return to lawful society. "We continue to welcome those who choose to return to the fold of the law, as each surrender is a step toward lasting peace and stability in our communities," he stated.
Speaking in Filipino, Nartatez added, "Ang bawat pagbabalik-loob ay hakbang tungo sa mas mapayapang kinabukasan. Hinihikayat namin ang iba pa na talikuran ang karahasan at piliin ang kapayapaan." (Each return is a step toward a more peaceful future. We encourage others to abandon violence and choose peace.)
Presidential Directive Guides Regional Operations
The PNP continues its peace and security operations in Eastern Visayas under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. These operations are part of broader national security efforts to address communist insurgency throughout the Philippines.
Regional police units maintain coordination with military forces and local government units to create comprehensive approaches to encouraging surrenders and maintaining security in previously affected areas.
As part of its commitment to public service, the PNP assures citizens of "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman" (New PNP for the New Philippines: Service that is fast, honest, and felt).
The successful three-day operation demonstrates continued progress in the government's efforts to end the decades-long communist insurgency through a combination of security operations and reintegration programs that provide alternatives to armed conflict.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office