Villanueva, Misamis Oriental – A member of the Milisya ng Bayan (MB) voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Tuesday evening, August 20, 2025, in Gingoog City, following the intensified peace and security efforts of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MORPPO).
The surrenderer was identified as Jovane Pinatalong Pinatanog, alias “Kamuyot”, 18, a resident of Barangay Kinamaybay, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. He turned himself in to the joint forces of the 1st Misamis Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and other police units in Sitio Dukdokaan, Barangay Eureka, Gingoog City.
Based on reports, authorities were tipped off by a former rebel, alias “Paras”, who informed police operatives that Pinatanog was seeking to leave the armed movement. Responding promptly, personnel led by PMAJ Ralph S. Santoluma, Officer-in-Charge and Force Commander of the 1st MOR PMFC, coordinated with the 1001st Maneuver Company RMFB 10, Gingoog City Police Station, Claveria Municipal Police Station, Talisayan Municipal Police Station, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit to facilitate the surrender.
Upon his surrender, Pinatanog yielded the following items:
- One (1) Caliber .38 revolver
- Four (4) rounds of ammunition for Caliber .38
- One (1) M79 yellow-gray explosive
- One (1) electric blasting cap
Police Colonel Wilbur M. Salaguste, Provincial Director of MORPPO, welcomed the development, stressing that such acts of returning to lawful society are vital to the province’s peace and order campaign.
“This return of our brother is a significant step toward peace and progress. We thank the community for its support in encouraging members of the movement to surrender and start anew. The police remain committed to serving and protecting the people to achieve a peaceful and safe community,” Salaguste said.
Authorities noted that the surrender highlights the growing cooperation between law enforcement and local communities in promoting peace and security in Misamis Oriental. Police also urged the public to continue helping those still involved in armed groups to come forward and reintegrate into mainstream society.