AGUSAN DEL NORTE — Three former members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in separate efforts in Agusan del Norte on October 19, 2026, turning over an improvised explosive device (IED), two high-explosive rifle grenades, and communication equipment, according to the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO).
Police Colonel Ruel M. Cagape, provincial director of the ADNPPO, said the surrender of the three individuals was facilitated by the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit in coordination with the Buenavista Municipal Police Station.
The first two surrenderers, identified by their aliases “Migz,” 25, and “Mitchell,” 41, were both residents of Purok 6, Barangay Basilisa, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte. Police identified them as former members of Guerrilla Front 88 under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and said both were listed in the government’s PSR records.
According to the police, Migz, who works at BTF Mini Veneer Sawmill, surrendered one improvised explosive device.
Mitchell, a barber and former member of Guerrilla Front 21-A, Sub-Regional Committee 3, and Front 88 under the NCMRC, turned over one high-explosive rifle grenade with a canister, three handheld radios, two chargers, one spare battery, and one long-sleeved garment.
In a separate development, the ADNPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, in coordination with the Buenavista Municipal Police Station, facilitated the surrender of a third individual identified as “Nando,” 58, a married resident of Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.
Police identified Nando as a former member of the Militia ng Bayan under Guerrilla Front 4A who was not listed in the PSR records. He surrendered one high-explosive rifle grenade.
The three former members are now under the custody of the 2nd PMFC and Buenavista Municipal Police Station for further investigation, custodial debriefing, and appropriate disposition, police said.
Cagape said the voluntary surrenders reflected ongoing efforts to encourage former members of armed groups to disengage from the conflict and turn over weapons and explosives still in their possession.
“This demonstrates that our efforts are reaching those who have long been influenced by armed groups. When people realize that peace offers more than conflict, they come forward,” Cagape said.
He added that removing explosive devices and high-explosive ammunition from communities could help reduce risks to residents.
“An IED and high-explosives removed from our communities means safer villages and brighter tomorrows for our people,” he said.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the surrender of the three individuals or whether additional operations will follow.
The recovery of the explosive materials underscores the importance of proper handling and accountability for weapons and ammunition in communities affected by armed conflict. Authorities have not provided details on the intended use or operational history of the surrendered items.