NABUNTURAN, DAVAO DE ORO — In a significant step toward peace and reintegration, a former intelligence officer of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in the Davao Region voluntarily surrendered to authorities on November 5, 2025.
The former rebel, identified by his alias “Shann,” turned himself in at around 11:00 a.m. at the 1st Davao de Oro Provincial Mobile Force Company (DDOPMFC) headquarters in Purok 16, Poblacion, Nabunturan. The surrender was facilitated by PMAJ Arles C. Bruza II, Officer-in-Charge of the 1st DDOPMFC, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office (PIU-DDOPPO), and under the supervision of PLTCOL Jesser Vagilidad IV of the Regional Intelligence Division 11 and RIU 11.
According to police records, “Shann,” a 30-year-old resident of Davao de Oro, was a former regular member of the New People’s Army’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) under PBC 1 (NPSRL). He joined the movement in 2006 at the young age of 11 after being recruited with promises of financial support for his family.
Over the years, he climbed the ranks within the organization. He initially served as a youth organizer in Batang Amihan under Sulong Kultura, focusing on recruitment efforts. By 2011, he was assigned as a Political Instructor (PI), and in 2016, he was transferred to the Intelligence Unit of the Regional Operational Command (ROC), where he participated in various guerilla operations. He reportedly went inactive in 2018 and began living a low-profile life until his formal surrender this week.
During custodial debriefing, “Shann” revealed that his decision to abandon the movement stemmed from his disillusionment with the NPA’s ideology, which he described as “fundamentally wrong” and offering “no bright future.” He was also influenced by the recent wave of surrender among his former comrades who have chosen to return to mainstream society.
“The voluntary surrender of ‘Shann’ is a clear testament to the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to peace and reconciliation,” a commanding officer overseeing the process said. “We welcome all former combatants who choose to abandon the path of violence and seek a life of peace and progress. Our government remains committed to ensuring they receive the necessary support for smooth reintegration into mainstream society.”
The former insurgent is now under the custody of the 1st DDOPMFC for proper debriefing and disposition. He is set to receive government assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides livelihood and reintegration support to former rebels who have chosen to return to the fold of the law.