Two members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to Philippine National Police units in separate operations across Eastern Visayas on August 26, 2026, with one surrenderee turning over a caliber .38 revolver to authorities.
The surrenders were facilitated under the command of PNP Chief General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. as part of the agency's ongoing internal security operations in the region.
Leyte Surrender: Former IC-LEVOX Member Alias "Nilo"
In Leyte, personnel of the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st LPMFC), working in coordination with the Baybay City Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit 8–Leyte Police Provincial Office (PIU8-LPPO), facilitated the surrender of a rebel identified by his alias "Nilo."
Alias "Nilo" is a 57-year-old Filipino male farmer and resident of Mahaplag, Leyte. He was a former member of IC-LEVOX under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
Eastern Samar Surrender: Yunit Militia Member Turns Over Firearm
In Eastern Samar, elements of the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st ESPMC), together with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (PIU-ESPPO), assisted the surrender of alias "Jenna," a 29-year-old female resident of Oras, Eastern Samar.
She was a former Yunit Militia member of FC-15, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC), ARCTIC, EVRPC, operating under the leadership of alias "Ka-Wayon," according to the PNP Public Information Office.
Upon her surrender, alias "Jenna" turned over one caliber .38 revolver bearing no markings, a defaced serial number, and no ammunition. The firearm was secured by police for proper documentation and disposition.
Both Surrenderees Facing Documentation, May Join E-CLIP
The PNP said both individuals are currently under the custody of their respective police units for documentation and proper disposition. They are also being considered for enrollment in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides assistance packages to former rebels who choose to return to civilian life.
PNP Chief Calls Surrenders a Sign of Progress
PNP Chief Nartatez issued a statement underscoring the significance of the voluntary surrenders within the broader context of the agency's peace and security strategy.
"These voluntary surrenders show that our efforts to address armed threats must be matched by opportunities for individuals to leave the conflict behind. We will remain firm in protecting communities while supporting those who genuinely choose to return to peaceful and lawful lives," Nartatez said.
He also issued an appeal in Filipino: "May pagkakataon pa para sa mga nais nang talikuran ang armadong pakikibaka at magsimulang muli. Hinihikayat natin silang piliin ang kapayapaan at makipagtulungan sa pamahalaan para sa mas maayos na kinabukasan."
("There is still an opportunity for those who wish to abandon armed struggle and start anew. We encourage them to choose peace and cooperate with the government for a better future.")
Surrenders Aligned with PNP Focused Agenda
According to the PNP-PIO, the two surrenders contribute to the PNP Focused Agenda, a transformation framework aimed at making police service more responsive and community-centered. A key priority under this agenda is Active Community Support, which encourages peaceful reintegration of former combatants.
The operations were also carried out in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the PNP reaffirming its commitment to its public service thrust: "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman."
By the Numbers
- 2 — CTG members who surrendered on August 26, 2026
- 57 — Age of alias "Nilo," who surrendered in Mahaplag, Leyte
- 29 — Age of alias "Jenna," who surrendered in Oras, Eastern Samar
- 1 — Caliber .38 revolver turned over by alias "Jenna," with defaced serial number and no ammunition
Why This Matters
The twin surrenders in Eastern Visayas reflect the continuing efforts of the Philippine National Police to reduce the armed strength of the Communist Terrorist Group through both law enforcement operations and reintegration pathways. The recovery of an unregistered firearm with a defaced serial number underscores the security risks posed by armed CTG members still operating in the region. The possible enrollment of both surrenderees in the E-CLIP program signals the government's parallel approach of pairing security operations with civilian reintegration support.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office