Zamboanga del Sur—October 20, 2024—A supporter of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) has voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, marking another step toward peace and reconciliation in the region. The surrender took place in Buyogan West, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, where the individual turned himself in to personnel from the 1st Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Buug Municipal Police Station.
Identified only by the alias “Joe,” the 42-year-old man was a known supporter and courier for the Regional Urban Committee of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (RUC WMRPC) of the CTG. According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay R. Capurcos, Force Commander of the 1st Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Mobile Force Company, Joe surrendered in the hope of living a peaceful life with his family, free from the influence of armed groups.
The voluntary surrender of CTG supporters like Joe is a positive development in the government’s ongoing efforts to end insurgency in the country. This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s program aimed at curbing insurgency and promoting national unity through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). The government continues to encourage remaining CTG members and their supporters to take advantage of the E-CLIP, offering them a chance to reintegrate into society and contribute to the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” or New Philippines.
Authorities have reiterated their call for other members of the CTG to return to the fold of the law and start a new chapter of their lives under the protection and support of the government.
The national police and military forces remain committed to assisting those who choose the path of peace and cooperation, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to reintegrate into their communities.
