ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — A series of voluntary surrenders and withdrawals of support from former members and supporters of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) were recorded across Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay from April 20 to 23, 2026, highlighting what police describe as sustained gains in internal security operations and grassroots peacebuilding efforts.
According to Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9), the developments reflect increasing community cooperation and the weakening of remnants of the dismantled Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).
On April 21 at around 3:40 PM, a 56-year-old male CTG supporter voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Barangay New Carcar, La Libertad, Zamboanga del Norte. The individual, classified as a non-Periodic Status Report (non-PSR) supporter, had previously provided logistical assistance to CTG operations, including food and medical supplies. During the surrender, he turned over an improvised shotgun.
The operation was facilitated by joint personnel from the 1st Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (ZNPMFC), the Provincial Intelligence Team, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 9. The surrenderee took an oath of allegiance before a barangay official and received immediate assistance consisting of ₱1,500 and 25 kilograms of rice. He was later released, while the firearm was secured for proper disposition.
Later that day, at around 4:40 PM in Barangay Midatag, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte, authorities facilitated the surrender of a couple, aged 45 and 53, both former CTG mass members under Guerrilla Front Feliciano-A. The group was previously led by Garry Pagente, also known as “Renz.”
Police said the couple had been involved in recruitment, logistics, and courier operations during the group’s active years from 2010 to 2016. They took their oath of allegiance before the barangay chairman, underwent custodial debriefing, and were released in good condition in the presence of local officials.
On April 23 at about 1:00 PM, a 69-year-old farmer withdrew his support from the CTG in Barangay Dapiwak, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. Identified as a former mass supporter, he previously served as an organizer and logistics provider for Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country under the WMRPC.
The withdrawal was facilitated by the 1st Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company. After proper documentation, the individual formally pledged allegiance to the government before local authorities, with his family and barangay officials as witnesses. He also received financial and food assistance as part of reintegration efforts.
In a separate development later that afternoon at 2:20 PM in Barangay Carupay, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte, another non-PSR CTG supporter surrendered to authorities and turned over a caliber .38 revolver loaded with three rounds of ammunition.
The joint operation involved personnel from the 1st ZNPMFC, Katipunan Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Team, RIU 9, and the 901st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9. Authorities said the individual had been engaged in organizing communities and expanding CTG mass base support. Following his oath of allegiance, he received assistance and was released, while the firearm was placed under police custody.
Earlier, on April 20 at around 12:40 PM in Barangay Peñaranda, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, a 38-year-old former CTG supporter formally withdrew support from the group. He was previously affiliated with the now-defunct Main Regional Guerrilla Unit Flex B of the WMRPC.
The activity was facilitated by personnel of the Zamboanga Sibugay 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Kabasalan Municipal Police Station. After undergoing custodial debriefing and verification confirming the absence of any standing warrant of arrest, the individual was released.
PRO 9 emphasized that the series of surrenders and withdrawals underscores the impact of intensified security operations combined with community-based interventions, encouraging former CTG members and supporters to abandon armed struggle and reintegrate into society.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining these initiatives, working closely with local government units and communities to promote long-term peace and development across the region.