TALAKAG, Bukidnon — A member of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to authorities on April 13, 2026, signaling what police described as another step forward in the government’s campaign to dismantle insurgent networks in Northern Mindanao.
The surrenderer, identified only by his alias “Anthony,” is a 29-year-old member of the Milisya ng Bayan (MB) under Platoon Fury, Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC-5). Authorities said he is considered among the remaining members of the said platoon operating in the area.
“Anthony,” a farmer and elementary-level resident of Sitio Dagonalan in Barangay Lantod, Talakag, Bukidnon, had been affiliated with the group for approximately two years before deciding to abandon the armed struggle.
He formally yielded to personnel of the 1004th Maneuver Company (MC) of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) at their headquarters in Barangay Tagbak, Talakag. During his surrender, he turned over one improvised shotgun and three rounds of 12-gauge ammunition.
Authorities said the surrender was the result of sustained coordination between the 1004th MC, Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 10, which have been actively conducting operations and community engagements aimed at weakening insurgent influence in remote villages.
According to initial reports, the former rebel expressed his desire to return to a peaceful life with his family after years of involvement in the underground movement. His decision was also influenced by the government’s reintegration programs, which offer livelihood assistance, financial aid, and other support services to former insurgents.
Following his surrender, “Anthony” and the firearm are now under the custody of the 1004th MC headquarters for custodial debriefing and profiling, a standard procedure aimed at gathering information that could aid further security operations.
Police Regional Office 10 Director, Christopher N Abrahano, commended the operating units for their continued efforts in persuading CTG members to abandon armed resistance and rejoin mainstream society.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to providing opportunities for former rebels to rebuild their lives, while continuing security operations to address remaining insurgent threats in the region.
Authorities reiterated their call for other CTG members to surrender, assuring them of humane treatment and access to government assistance programs designed to support their reintegration into peaceful communities.