BUTUAN CITY — A 19-year-old former member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) linked to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered and handed over an M4 rifle to the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) on May 30, 2026, in a move authorities described as another breakthrough in the government’s peace and reintegration campaign.
The surrender took place at the BCPO Headquarters in Malvar Circle, Barangay Holy Redeemer, Butuan City, under the leadership of BCPO City Director Richie M. Yatar.
The successful operation was carried out through the coordinated efforts of the Butuan City Mobile Force Company (BCMFC) headed by Force Commander Randie M. Azote, in collaboration with RPS-B cadres in Barangay Pianing and the BCMFC SWAT Team.
Police identified the surrenderer as a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Pianing, Butuan City, and a former member of the Militia ng Bayan operating under the SRSG Westland, SRC Westland of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). Authorities noted that the former rebel was not listed in the government’s Periodic Status Report (PSR).
As a sign of his return to the fold of the law and rejection of armed struggle, the former MB member surrendered the following items to authorities:
- One Colt M4 Caliber 5.56 rifle with an erased serial number
- One short magazine
- Five live rounds of 5.56 ammunition
During police debriefing, the former rebel admitted that he previously served as a courier for the Militia ng Bayan and later became a Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Grupong Tag Organisa (GTO), now known as Kabataang Tag Organisa (KTO), from 2019 until December 2023.
Authorities said the surrender reflects the growing trust of former insurgency-linked individuals in the government’s peace and development programs. The BCPO emphasized that the move also highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies and partner stakeholders to encourage former rebels and supporters to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful and productive lives with their families and communities.
The BCPO reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening initiatives aimed at sustaining peace, security, and public welfare in Butuan City and neighboring communities.
Police officials also urged remaining members and supporters of communist armed groups to take advantage of government reintegration efforts and choose the path toward reconciliation and stability.