CARMEN, Surigao del Sur — Former members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) have voluntarily turned over firearms, ammunition and other war materiel to government authorities in two separate incidents in Surigao del Sur, according to the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion of the Philippine Army.
The turnovers took place on August 14 and August 17, involving former members of the Militia ng Bayan and a former CTG member who surrendered weapons and other items reportedly associated with the armed group.
On August 14, two former members of the Militia ng Bayan voluntarily turned over a supply cache in Barangay Awasian, Tandag City. The cache contained 557 assorted rounds of ammunition, five rifle grenades, 12 assorted rifle magazines, three IV fluid containers and one Baofeng radio.
The items were subsequently received by personnel of the 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion, which operates in the area as part of the military’s continuing efforts to recover firearms and other materiel from former members and supporters of armed groups.
Three days later, on August 17, another former CTG member voluntarily surrendered in Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. He turned over one M1 Carbine rifle, one magazine and 14 rounds of ammunition.
The separate surrender incidents add to the recovery of firearms and other military-related supplies in communities previously affected by the presence and activities of armed groups in the province.
Lt. Col. Joselito B. Ante Jr., commanding officer of the 36th Infantry Battalion, said the voluntary turnovers reflected what he described as growing cooperation and trust between communities and the government.
Ante particularly highlighted the role of the Army’s Community Development Support Teams (CDSTs), which maintain engagement with communities and coordinate with residents and local stakeholders to identify and respond to local needs.
According to the battalion commander, sustained community engagement has helped strengthen relationships between government forces and residents, creating an environment where former members of armed groups can voluntarily surrender firearms and other materiel.
The military has increasingly emphasized community-based approaches alongside security operations in areas that have experienced armed conflict, with local government units, government agencies and communities serving as partners in maintaining peace and supporting development.
The 36th Infantry Battalion said it will continue coordinating with local government units, partner agencies and communities in Surigao del Sur to sustain peace gains and protect communities from the return of armed-group activity.
The military said the latest voluntary turnovers demonstrate the continuing importance of community cooperation in efforts to reduce the availability of firearms and other war materiel while supporting broader peace and development initiatives in the province.