Malaybalay City, Bukidnon — February 26, 2026 — A former member of an armed group voluntarily surrendered to authorities and turned over four assorted high-powered firearms during a ceremonial turnover held at Camp Captain Ramon M. Onahon in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, police officials confirmed Thursday.
The activity was led by PLTCOL Arce V. Yam-oc, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, under the supervision of Oliver Sotto Navales, Provincial Director of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office.
According to police reports, the firearms were surrendered by one individual classified as a “Friend Rescued” (FR)—a term used by the government to refer to former members of insurgent groups who decide to abandon armed struggle and reintegrate into society.
Authorities said the individual voluntarily returned to the fold of the law through the Task Force Balik-Loob Program under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which encourages rebels to surrender and supports their reintegration into mainstream communities.
Police officials described the surrender as another step in strengthening peace and stability efforts in Bukidnon and the wider Mindanao region.
Representatives from both the local government and the military witnessed the turnover ceremony. Among those present were Shella Marie C. Albarece, representative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and 1Lt. Danica Rose T. De Leon, Logistics Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion under the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
Officials said the turnover of firearms highlights the continuing impact of the government’s reintegration initiatives, which aim to reduce armed conflict while offering former combatants opportunities for livelihood assistance, financial aid, and community support.
The Bukidnon police leadership also reiterated its call for other members of armed groups still operating in remote areas to surrender peacefully and avail themselves of the benefits offered under the E-CLIP program.
Authorities noted that cooperation among law enforcement, the military, and local government agencies remains crucial in sustaining peace and preventing further violence in the province.