KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines — A former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), reportedly affiliated with Guerilla Front 18, SRC 2, SMRC, has voluntarily surrendered to authorities and turned over a caliber .30 rifle during a joint intelligence operation in Cotabato province on September 28, 2026.
The surrender took place at the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Compound in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City, following a coordinated intelligence effort involving the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 12 (NICA 12), the CPPO–Provincial Intelligence Unit (CPPO-PIU), and the Arakan Municipal Police Station (MPS).
The former CTG member formally surrendered before Police Colonel Ramel B. Hojilla, provincial director of the CPPO, in the presence of Police Brigadier General Enrique M. Magalona (Ret.), regional director of NICA 12.
Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Arakan, Department of Agriculture 12, the Office of the Municipal Mayor of Arakan, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development 12 also witnessed the surrender.
Rifle Turned Over During Surrender
As part of the surrender process, the former CTG member voluntarily turned over one caliber .30 rifle and one magazine. Authorities said the magazine contained no ammunition at the time the firearm was surrendered.
The firearm was subsequently placed under the custody of the Arakan MPS for proper documentation and disposition in accordance with established procedures.
The surrender is part of the government’s continuing efforts to encourage former members of armed groups to abandon armed activities and return to civilian life through reintegration and livelihood support.
Government Extends Reintegration Assistance
Government representatives provided immediate cash and livelihood assistance to the former CTG member as part of efforts to help support his transition back into mainstream society.
The assistance is intended to provide immediate support while helping the former combatant establish a lawful means of livelihood following his decision to leave the armed group.
After the formal surrender, the former CTG member was placed under the custody of NICA 12 for custodial debriefing. Authorities did not release further details regarding his identity or the circumstances of his alleged affiliation.
The surrender highlights the continuing coordination among national government agencies, police authorities and local government units in encouraging individuals who have left armed groups to surrender firearms and pursue reintegration into their communities.
Authorities continue to urge former members of armed groups who wish to abandon armed activities to coordinate with government authorities and avail themselves of available reintegration and livelihood assistance programs.