TWO alleged rebel members surrendered to the authorities in separate operations in Carigara, Leyte, and Quinapondan, Eastern Samar.
“These surrenders reflect the success of our whole-of-nation approach against insurgency. With sustained community engagement and intensified police efforts, we continue to help former rebels choose peace and reintegration,” said Eastern Visayas police regional director Brigadier General Jay Cumigad.
According to the police official, the two rebels surrendered on April 22, 2025 through the “strong collaborations” of the operating units and the partner stakeholders.
The surrenderees identified only as alias “Mateo,” 63, a former member of Squad 2, Tirso Platoon, who joined the rebel group at the age of 19, and alias “Ka Bert,” 64, a former member of the Buhawi Platoon under the Mt. Amandewin Command of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), the police regional command said in a report to the local media.
The two handed over a hand grenade, and an unmarked caliber .38 revolver, with rounds of live ammunition, respectively.
Meanwhile, Cumigad reaffirmed his support for the government’s efforts under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), urging remaining rebel members in the region “to lay down their arms and become partners in peace and progress.” (Ronald Reyes/SunStar Philippines)