Bukidnon, Philippines — Intensified counterinsurgency operations in Bukidnon have led to the voluntary surrender of three Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members and the arrest of another, signaling what authorities describe as a sustained weakening of insurgent networks in Northern Mindanao.
On March 11, 2026, joint forces composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), including the 1003rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, with tactical support from the 1st Special Action Battalion (1SAB), facilitated the surrender of three individuals linked to the dismantled Guerilla Front Malayag.
The surrenderers were identified only by their aliases “Bogtong,” “Mike,” and “Rolyn.” Authorities said “Bogtong” and “Mike” were listed under the Periodic Status Report (PSR) for the first quarter of 2020, while “Rolyn” was a non-PSR-listed member. All three were affiliated with Squad Uno, Platoon 3, Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
The operation took place in Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.
Upon surrender, the trio turned over one homemade 12-gauge shotgun with five rounds of ammunition, along with one magazine, and two caliber .45 pistols with 12 rounds of ammunition and four magazines. They are currently undergoing documentation and processing for possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides assistance to former rebels seeking to reintegrate into mainstream society.
Authorities highlighted that the voluntary surrender was the result of sustained military and police pressure, combined with community engagement efforts aimed at encouraging insurgents to abandon armed struggle.
Just two days earlier, on March 9, 2026, another CTG member was apprehended in a separate joint operation in Barangay Poblacion, Lantapan, Bukidnon.
The suspect, known by the alias “Pepot,” was listed under the PSR for the first quarter of 2021 and was affiliated with Squad 1, Platoon Ryan, Sub-Regional Committee 1 of the same regional network.
He was arrested by personnel from the Lantapan Municipal Police Station, Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, in coordination with other PNP units and the Philippine Army. The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 43 of the 10th Judicial Region in Gingoog City on August 25, 2021.
“Pepot” faces charges of rebellion or insurrection under Criminal Case No. 2021-8399 and is currently under the custody of Lantapan police for proper documentation and legal proceedings.
Security officials underscored that the twin operations demonstrate strengthened coordination between law enforcement agencies and the military in addressing insurgency in the region.
They added that these developments reflect both the effectiveness of focused security operations and the growing willingness of insurgents to return to the fold of the law amid sustained government efforts to restore peace and stability in conflict-affected communities.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing intelligence-driven operations while promoting reintegration pathways for former rebels, as part of a broader strategy to end local communist armed conflict.