ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — A series of voluntary surrenders and withdrawals of support from individuals formerly linked to the Communist Terrorist Group marked a significant development in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign in the Zamboanga Peninsula, following intensified intelligence-driven operations and community engagement initiatives by Police Regional Office 9 from April 26 to 29, 2026.
Authorities reported that the coordinated efforts resulted in multiple individuals severing ties with the CTG across Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, signaling what officials described as a growing shift toward peace and reintegration in previously affected communities.
On April 29, at around 9:30 a.m., joint operatives from the 1st Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, Provincial Intelligence Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 9, and Provincial Intelligence Unit facilitated the surrender of a 44-year-old CTG supporter in Barangay Datagan, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. The individual, who was not listed under the Periodic Status Report, had been involved in logistical operations, including procuring food and supplies for CTG members.
During the surrender, the individual turned over an improvised shotgun and ammunition and formally renounced affiliation with the group through an oath of allegiance administered before the barangay captain. Immediate assistance, including ₱1,500 in cash and 25 kilograms of rice, was extended. The firearm has since been placed under police custody for proper disposition.
Two days earlier, on April 27 at around 2:00 p.m., another CTG supporter voluntarily surrendered in Barangay Kauswagan, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte. The individual, also not listed in the PSR, yielded an improvised shotgun without ammunition and admitted involvement in providing logistical support such as food and medical supplies to CTG elements.
After taking an oath of allegiance before the barangay chairman, the individual received government assistance and was released for reintegration, while the surrendered firearm was secured by authorities.
Meanwhile, on April 28 at approximately 11:24 a.m., a 64-year-old individual formally withdrew support from the CTG at the headquarters of the 2nd Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur. The individual had prior ties with a communist-affiliated mass organization linked to the now-defunct Guerilla Front Kara of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee and had performed various support roles.
The withdrawal was facilitated by personnel from the 2nd ZSPMFC, Dumalinao and San Miguel Municipal Police Stations, and intelligence units. Following the oath of allegiance, assistance was provided before the individual was reintegrated into the community.
In a separate development, a 61-year-old female CTG supporter also withdrew her support on April 26 at around 3:05 p.m. at the Mutia Municipal Police Station in Zamboanga del Norte. She underwent custodial debriefing and formally pledged allegiance to the government in the presence of the officer-in-charge. After documentation and receipt of assistance, she was released in good condition for community reintegration.
Police Regional Office 9 Director, Police Brigadier General Edwin A. Quilates, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and stakeholders in addressing insurgency. He highlighted that each surrender reflects progress toward lasting peace and stability in the region, while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to supporting former CTG supporters in rebuilding their lives.
Authorities said intensified anti-insurgency and peacebuilding efforts will continue across the region, urging remaining CTG members and supporters to abandon armed struggle and take advantage of government reintegration programs aimed at fostering safer and more progressive communities.