Malapatan, Sarangani Province — In a notable breakthrough in the government’s campaign for peace and security, a member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to authorities during a major internal security operation in Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on April 29, 2025.
The surrender was the result of a coordinated effort under Oplan SAMBILAD, led by the 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SPMFC), in partnership with Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), Regional Intelligence Division 12 Tracker Team Alpha (RID 12), Sarangani Provincial Intelligence Unit (SPPO PIU), Malapatan Municipal Police Station (MPS), and Alpha Company of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (73IB, PA).
The returnee, identified only by his alias “Toto,” is a 43-year-old farmer and resident of Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Tuyan. He was formerly a courier and non-PSR-listed member linked with the now-dismantled Guerrilla Fronts 71 and 73 of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).
Alias “Toto” surrendered a Caliber .45 M1911 AI U.S. Army pistol and seven live rounds of ammunition, which are now under the custody of the 1st SPMFC for documentation and proper disposition.
Authorities see the surrender as a strong indication of the weakening influence of insurgent groups in the area. Government forces continue to intensify security operations and community engagement to foster peace and development across the province.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to reintegrating former CTG members into society, offering them support as they transition to peaceful and productive lives.